History of Automobile Companies
The history of automobile companies stretches far into the past. It can be said that it all began when the Benz Patent-Motorwagen was created by Karl Benz in 1886. Since then, many other companies have been formed, and technology has made huge advances. While some companies have been around for many decades, others are fairly new. So, which one has the longest history?
The answer is simple – the oldest car company is Peugeot. Founded in 1810, it is a French automobile maker and is the oldest car industry in the world. Starting out as a family business, they were producing bicycles long before cars were ever invented. They also applied technology to their existing producing to come up with coffee grinders, saws, industrial tools, and more.
The next oldest car company is Daimler, which was founded in 1886. This German carmaker is regarded as a pioneer in the industry, setting the standards for all the car companies that followed. Their cars are known for their strong designs and cutting-edge technology.
Other renowned companies, such as Volkswagen and BMW, have existed for more than a century, making them among the most popular car companies in the world. Volkswagen is the second-largest car company in the world and has been manufacturing automobiles since the 1930s, while BMW started out as a motorcycle company in 1916.
Nonetheless, these companies cannot match the longevity of Peugeot and Daimler, which has been producing cars since the 19th century.
Industry Innovations
Over the years, the two car giants had made numerous innovations that have shaped the way the industry works. For instance, Peugeot introduced brakes to their vehicles in 1890 to make them safer. They were also the first car company to develop an odometer, which was patented in 1912, and their innovations in paint technology granted them patents in the 20th century.
On the other hand, Daimler had also made numerous advances that expanded the industry. In 1902, their models featured a steering wheel and steering column, which meant that driving their cars was now much easier. Later on, in 1906, they developed the first gas turbine engine and incorporated it into a car they unveiled at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Both companies also participated in the development of the modern-day car engine. Peugeot partnered with Citroen to launch their first production cars with front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines in 1919. Daimler, meanwhile, made advancements in their cars by offering a straight-6 petrol engine, which first featured in the Mercedes 300 series in the 1950s.
Electric and Hybrid Cars
Nowadays, cars have become much more advanced, thanks to the development of electric and hybrid vehicles. In this regard, both Peugeot and Daimler have made incredible advances. Peugeot recently presented the e-208, an all-electric version of their popular hatchback, while their diesel-electric hybrid, the 3008 Hybrid4 was the first of its kind. Moreover, they have decided to convert their entire lineup to electric by 2021.
Daimler, in turn, has made many new developments in the industry. The Mercedes S500 Plug-in Hybrid, released in 2013, was one of the first luxury plug-in vehicles, while their Smart EQ line is also quite popular amongst electric vehicle aficionados.
It seems that both of these pioneering car companies will remain crucial players in the industry, no matter which direction it takes.
Global Rankings
In terms of global recognition, Peugeot and Daimler are up there among the industry’s biggest giants. The Peugeot brand, for example, is currently the third-most sold in Europe, behind Volkswagen and Renault-Nissan, while Daimler is the third-largest car company in the world, behind Toyota and Volkswagen.
Consequently, both companies have become household names in the automotive industry. Peugeot is known for its stylish and reliable cars, while Daimler’s vehicles are renowned for their luxury, safety, and performance. And while they may not have the newest technologies, they remain the two most experienced and reputable car companies in the world.
The Future of Car Companies
With the shift towards electric vehicles, the industry is undergoing a major transformation. Companies such as Tesla and Fisker have made electric vehicles mainstream and will no doubt become major players in the near future. However, this does not mean that Peugeot and Daimler are in danger of obsoletion – quite the contrary, in fact.
The two companies are well-equipped to handle the transition to electrically powered vehicles, as they have already committed to making the switch themselves. Additionally, they still have a great reputation and loyal customer base, which indicates that they are here to stay in the foreseeable future.
Competition in the Field
That being said, competition in the industry has become increasingly fierce in recent times. Companies such as Toyota and Honda, who were relatively slow to catch up to their European counterparts, have become major players in the industry. Then, there are smaller companies such as Tesla, Kia and Hyundai, who are playing their part as well.
The increasing competition has resulted in more variety and better prices for customers. Additionally, safe and efficient vehicles have become more commonplace, as companies strive to exceed each other with new innovations and technology.
The Impact of COVID-19
Like many other industries, the automotive industry has been significantly impacted by the global pandemic. Car sales have dropped dramatically and the industry is facing an uncertain future. In this regard, both Peugeot and Daimler have had to make major adjustments to ensure their survival.
They have had to lay off workers, switch production lines to focus on essential items, and invest in research and development to come up with new technologies. All in all, the industry is in a state of flux and it remains to be seen how long it will take for them to get back on track.
