The motor industry is one of the largest, fastest growing and most competitive industries in the world. Car companies, such as Volkswagen, Ford, Renault, Toyota, Chrysler and BMW, not only compete for sales in their respective markets but also for ownership of other car companies. What car company owns who? This article will explore the complex web of ownership within the motor industry and the implications that this may have for consumers.
Firstly, it should be noted that many car companies have multiple owners. For example, Volkswagen owns Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Skoda and Bentley. Similarly, Ford owns Volvo, Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, while BMW owns Mini and Rolls Royce. The story at Renault is less straightforward, with the French brand having various large scale shareholders, including the French Government, the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Nissan Motor Company.
However, the extent of ownership within the industry goes beyond the scope of large companies owning smaller ones. Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) is the result of a merger between two former opposing forces: Fiat and Chrysler Group. In 2014, Fiat absorbed all of Chrysler’s assets and merged with them, unifying the two brands. The merger created a powerhouse in the industry that has since grown into one of the world’s biggest car companies.
Though the historical and strategic benefits of mergers and acquisitions are many, ultimately the biggest losers tend to be consumers. Ownership of car companies means that companies can control prices and monopolise markets, which – in turn – leads to higher prices, fewer options and ultimately poorer customer service. As noted by Automotive Analysts, Thomas Smith, ‘cars are expensive enough without companies trying to make huge profits by limiting competition and options.’
Exploring the web of corporate ownership in the motor industry further, we find that the financial investor, Investindustrial, owns a large portion of Daimler AG (the parent company of Mercedes-Benz). Equally, Volkswagen has a 19% stake in Suzuki and Renault holds 43.4% of Dacia, the Romanian car company. Even Honda and General Motors have a joint ownership of a company called GM-Honda Autonomous Technology (GMHAT) – yet another example of the ownership web in the industry.
What can consumers do to ensure they’re not being taken advantage of when it comes to buying cars? Requesting quotes from multiple dealerships is the best way to secure the best deal and to get the right car for you. Additionally, researching a car company’s ownership structure prior to purchasing could help you get a better understanding of their corporate setup and the competitive landscape within the industry.
The Impact of Ownership on Innovation
Ownership structure can have a considerable impact on innovation. Comparing Telsa and Volkswagen for example, we see how the ownership setup of a company can make or break the success of its innovation strategy. Volkswagen is highly diversified, owning several car brands and parts suppliers. This means that their capacity to create innovative products is limited. Tesla, on the other hand, is owned solely by a single brand and as a result, can focus their resources on creating innovative products and services. This has been reflected in the success of their cars and the innovation that has been implemented in their vehicles.
The motor industry is hugely competitive and many companies have invested heavily in research and development in order to develop innovative products and stay ahead of the competition. This has resulted in an industry that is full of revolutionary technologies and cutting edge features – all of which have been made possible thanks to multiple companies owning portions of each other.
It is easy to forget, however, that behind the glitz and glamour of the motor industry lies a complex web of ownership. It is important to recognise the implications of this for innovation, as well as for competition. While ownership of car companies can help propel the industry forward, it can also stifle innovation if a company becomes too big and begins to focus on maximising profits over developing innovative products and services.
The Impact of Ownership on Brand Loyalty
The impact of corporate ownership can also be felt by consumers in terms of brand loyalty. In an increasingly competitive market, consumers have many options when it comes to purchasing a car. Some may prefer the convenience of buying a car from a company they already recognise, while others may be looking for a more economical option.
The acquisition of car companies can have an impact on the level of brand loyalty consumers experience. Companies such as Volkswagen, for example, own several car brands and therefore have the potential to attract a wide range of customers. Similarly, Ford has several subsidiaries, including Volvo, Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, which allows them to create a diverse range of cars and appeal to a wide range of customers. Consumers looking for more choice may be more attracted to buying from a company that has a range of brands to choose from.
Ownership of a company can also affect how loyal customers are to a particular brand. If a company that is predominantly known for producing one type of car acquires a company that is known for another type of car, it can result in customers being alienated and choosing other brands. Ford’s acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, for example, has resulted in a diminished customer base for Ford, as customers who previously preferred Ford vehicles have been drawn to the luxury of Jaguar Land Rover models.
Ultimately, understanding the complex ownership web of the motor industry is essential for consumer education and understanding of the implications of corporate ownership. Consumers should actively research and consider the ownership of car companies prior to making any purchases, as this can have a big impact on the price, selection and service they receive.
The Impact of Ownership on Consumer Choice
The number of car companies in the world has grown substantially over the past few decades and this can be largely attributed to the acquisition of car companies by larger firms. Mercedes-Benz, for example, has recently acquired smart and Tag Heuer, dramatically increasing their presence in the world of motoring. Similarly, Renault owns Dacia and Nissan, Ford has taken ownership of Volvo Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover and, as discussed, Volkswagen’s portfolio consists of the likes of Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini and Bentley.
These acquisitions have had an immense impact on consumer choice. There are now a range of options available to consumers, ranging from luxury cars to family hatchbacks, electric cars to diesel vehicles. In short, the ownership of car companies has created a diverse and dynamic range of vehicles on the market, allowing consumers to make a more informed and well-rounded car-buying decision.
That said, it’s not just consumer choice that has been impacted by car company ownership. Bigger companies acquiring smaller ones has resulted in cost savings for companies and thus, a reduced cost of cars for consumers. Companies such as Volkswagen, for example, can benefit from economies of scale by producing multiple cars on the same platform, which means cost and manufacturing efficiency. These savings are then passed onto consumers, resulting in better and more affordable cars.
Car companies’ ownership of each other is thus a double-edged sword; it can provide consumers with more options and better prices, but it can also limit competition and stifle innovation. Consumers should be aware of their options and do their research prior to purchasing a car so that they can make an informed decision and get the best deal possible.
Implications of Ownership on the Car Industry
Acquisitions, mergers and buyouts between car companies have had a huge impact on the industry. Bigger companies are able to expand their market share and areas of expertise, while smaller companies can benefit from the expertise and financial backing of the larger companies.
The implications of corporate ownership are far-reaching and its impact can be felt right across the industry. Companies such as Mercedes-Benz, VW and Ford have all made a significant impact on the car industry and their success has been attributed to their ownership of other car companies.
Of course, the ownership of car companies can also make the industry more competitive. Companies such as Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), for example, which is the result of a merger between Fiat and Chrysler Group, have been able to capitalise on their size and share of the market to create a competitive marketplace. This often results in lower prices, better incentives and more attractive offers for consumers.
The competitive nature of the industry has also pushed car companies to invest heavily in research and development, resulting in improved technologies and cutting edge features being rolled out on cars. The motor industry has seen an immense boost in innovation thanks to the ownership of one car company by another.
Government Regulations and the Ownership of Car Companies
Finally, it is also worth noting the role that governments play in the ownership of car companies. Governments across the world regulate and monitor the ownership structure of car companies in order to prevent large companies from monopolising the market and holding too much control.
The European Commission, for example, has implemented strict regulations to ensure that no single car company is able to acquire more than 25% of the market share. Similarly, US lawmakers have recently proposed legislation to prevent automakers from participating in anti-competitive mergers that could lead to higher prices or less choice for consumers.
The ownership of car companies is thus monitored and regulated in order to ensure that the car industry is kept competitive and that consumers can have access to a wide variety of cars at an affordable price. However, as the industry is constantly evolving, so too are the ownership regulations and it is important to stay up to date with the latest developments.
The Impact of Ownership on the Motor Industry’s Future
The ownership of car companies has a huge impact on the future of the motor industry and it is essential for companies to be aware of this. Companies must understand the implications of ownership on innovation and competition in order to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive in the marketplace.
It is also important for companies to understand the role that governments play in regulating corporate ownership and the implications this has for their future. Governments wield a large amount of power when it comes to regulating the ownership structure of car companies and companies must be aware of this or risk falling behind the competition.
Ultimately, the ownership of car companies has transformed the motor industry, allowing car companies to consolidate their position and expand their portfolios. Consumers have benefited from this in terms of competitive prices, better deals and improved services. However, it is also important to recognise the implications of ownership, as this can have a big impact on the future of the motor industry.
