The invention of the automobile in 1808 marked a monumental shift in transportation history, introducing a hydrogen-fueled marvel powered by an internal combustion engine. Over two centuries have passed since that groundbreaking creation, and the automotive industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. While countless companies have emerged and faded, a select few pioneering manufacturers have not only endured but thrived, adapting and innovating through generations. These are the titans of the industry, companies with roots stretching back over a century, still producing vehicles today.
These enduring brands have navigated economic shifts, technological revolutions, and evolving consumer tastes, maintaining their relevance and appeal across generations. They represent a living history of the automobile, embodying decades of engineering prowess and design evolution.
Here are 9 of the oldest car companies in the world that are still actively manufacturing vehicles, showcasing their remarkable legacies:
| Company | Year founded | Founders | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peugeot | 1810 | Armand Peugeot | France |
| Tatra | 1850 | Ignác Šustala | Czech Republic |
| Opel Automobile GmbH | 1862 | Adam Opel | Germany |
| Mercedes-Benz | 1883 | Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler | Germany |
| Škoda Auto | 1895 | Václav Laurin and Václav Klement | Czech Republic |
| Land Rover | 1896 | Sumner and Spurrier families | United Kingdom |
| Renault | 1898 | Louis Renault, Marcel Renault, Fernand Renault | France |
| Fiat | 1899 | Giovanni Agnelli | Italy |
| Cadillac | 1902 | William Murphy, Lemuel Bowen, Henry M. Leland | United States |
9. Cadillac
Year founded: 1902
Founders: William Murphy, Lemuel Bowen, Henry M. Leland
Country: United States
The inception of the Cadillac brand is intrinsically linked to the early days of the American automotive industry and, surprisingly, to Henry Ford. In 1901, Ford embarked on his second venture into car manufacturing, establishing the Henry Ford Company. However, disagreements with investors Lemuel Bowen and William Murphy led to Ford’s departure. Crucially, he took the rights to his name with him, leaving Bowen and Murphy to reconsider their next steps.
Faced with an operational factory but lacking a figurehead, Murphy and Bowen brought in engineer Henry Leland to assess the company’s assets. Initially considering selling the factory, Leland, recognizing the potential, persuaded them to continue manufacturing automobiles. In 1902, they rebranded the company as Cadillac, named after the French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who founded Detroit.
Cadillac quickly established itself as a maker of precision-engineered luxury vehicles. This reputation led to its acquisition by General Motors (GM) in 1909. Under GM’s umbrella, Cadillac solidified its position as a leading luxury automotive brand in America, renowned for innovation and opulent design.
Did you know?
Cadillac holds the distinction of being the first American car manufacturer to be awarded the prestigious Dewar Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club of the United Kingdom, not once but twice, in 1908 and again in 1912. This accolade recognized Cadillac’s pioneering advancements in interchangeable parts, demonstrating remarkable precision and manufacturing excellence for the era. Furthermore, Cadillac has been honored with the Motor Trend Car of the Year award five times, a testament to its continued innovation and quality in modern times.
8. Fiat
Year founded: 1899
Founders: Giovanni Agnelli
Country: Italy
Fiat, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, which translates to Italian Automobiles Factory, Turin, began its journey with a strong foundation laid by a board of directors and Giovanni Agnelli. The company produced its inaugural Fiat model in 1899, the same year of its founding, marking the start of Italy’s significant contribution to the automotive world.
Fiat gained prominence for its production of city cars and superminis, catering to the demands of urban driving. Demonstrating foresight, Fiat ventured into electric vehicle research as early as 1970, anticipating future trends in sustainable transportation. Historically, Fiat’s manufacturing capabilities extended beyond civilian vehicles to include weapon production, reflecting the industrial landscape of its time.
In a significant global automotive industry merger, Fiat acquired Chrysler Automobiles in 2014, forming Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). This merger underscored Fiat’s international reach and influence. Fiat boasts an impressive record of 12 European Car of the Year awards, surpassing any other automotive manufacturer and highlighting its consistent innovation and design excellence recognized across Europe.
Did you know?
The Fiat 500, an iconic model, is affectionately called “Cinquecento” by Italians. This nickname, meaning “five hundred” in Italian, directly originates from the car’s model number and reflects its beloved status in Italian culture.
7. Renault
Year founded: 1898
Founders: Louis Renault, Marcel Renault, Fernand Renault
Country: France
Originally established as Société Renault Frères, meaning Renault Brothers Company, Renault was founded in 1898 by the brothers Louis, Marcel, and Fernand Renault. Louis Renault, an engineer with a passion for mechanics, was the driving force behind the company’s technical innovations, having designed early prototypes prior to its formal establishment. In the business structure, Louis focused on design and engineering, while Marcel and Fernand managed the commercial and administrative aspects of the burgeoning company.
Renault achieved a milestone in 1903 by commencing in-house engine production, enhancing its manufacturing independence and technological capabilities. Strategically adapting to market demands and societal needs, Renault expanded its portfolio beyond passenger cars to include trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles, particularly leading up to World War I.
During World War I, Renault significantly contributed to the war effort by producing military aircraft engines and ammunition, demonstrating its industrial versatility and support for national defense. Post-war, Renault diversified further into agricultural and industrial machinery, while maintaining its core automobile production, illustrating its adaptability and resilience across diverse sectors.
Did you know?
Renault’s contributions to the automotive industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including six European Car of the Year awards and three Autobest Car of the Year awards, along with various national-level accolades. Renault’s involvement in motorsports is also notable, having actively supported and been integral to numerous winning racing teams, reflecting its commitment to performance and automotive excellence.
6. Land Rover
Year founded: 1896
Founders: Sumner and Spurrier families
Country: United Kingdom
Land Rover’s origins can be traced back to the Lancashire Steam Motor Company, established in 1896 in England by the Sumner and Spurrier families. Initially, the company’s product line was unconventional for a future car manufacturer, starting with steam-powered lawnmowers. They soon transitioned to steam-powered vans, marking their entry into vehicle production. In 1907, reflecting their growing ambitions in the motor industry, they rebranded as Leyland Motors.
Through mergers and acquisitions, Leyland Motors underwent several transformations. In 1968, it merged with British Motor Holdings to become the British Leyland Motor Corporation Ltd (BLMC), a major consolidation in the British automotive sector. By 1975, BLMC became a state-owned entity, indicative of the British government’s involvement in key industries. Another name change occurred in 1986 when it was renamed The Rover Group. The Land Rover brand itself was officially formed in 1978 during this period of corporate restructuring.
Despite the Rover Group’s eventual dissolution in 2000, several of its prestigious brands, including Land Rover and Jaguar, survived. Currently, both Land Rover and Jaguar operate under the unified banner of Jaguar Land Rover, continuing their legacy of British automotive engineering and luxury.
Did you know?
The Land Rover 110 Defender from the 1990s featured an ingenious design to exploit tax regulations. By including seating for 12 people, it was legally classified as a “bus,” which provided significant tax advantages, showcasing clever engineering and regulatory navigation.
5. Škoda Auto
Year founded: 1895
Founders: Václav Laurin and Václav Klement
Country: Czech Republic
Škoda Auto began its journey in 1895 as Laurin & Klement, founded by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement in Mladá Boleslav, Bohemia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing bicycles and motorcycles before venturing into automobile production.
After Škoda transitioned to car manufacturing in 1905, it rapidly expanded to become the largest automobile producer in Austria-Hungary, demonstrating its early industrial success and market dominance in the region.
In 1925, Laurin & Klement was acquired by Škoda Works, a major industrial conglomerate, leading to a rebranding as Škoda Auto. This acquisition provided significant capital and resources for further growth. In a more recent strategic move in 2000, Škoda Auto became a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, integrating it into one of the world’s largest automotive corporations.
Today, Škoda Auto stands as the largest and most popular car brand in the Czech Republic, a testament to its enduring legacy and its role in Czech industrial history.
Did you know?
Škoda’s involvement in motorsports extends beyond standard production vehicles. Notably, a specially engineered Škoda model achieved a world record at the Bonneville Speedway in August 2011. It reached a speed of 227 mph, setting a record for the fastest car globally with an engine displacement of up to two liters, showcasing Škoda’s engineering prowess and performance capabilities.
4. Mercedes-Benz
Year founded: 1883 (Benz & Cie.) / 1890 (Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft) – Merged in 1926
Founders: Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler
Country: Germany
While Mercedes-Benz as a unified entity officially emerged in 1926, its origins are rooted in the merger of two pioneering and long-established automobile manufacturers, each with histories dating back to the 19th century.
Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) was one of these foundational companies, established by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1890. DMG initially focused on producing petrol engines. Daimler and Maybach are also credited with creating one of the earliest automobiles. Following early successes, particularly in racing, DMG shifted its focus to producing vehicles under the Mercedes brand name.
The other precursor to Mercedes-Benz was Benz & Companie Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, founded in 1883 by Karl Benz, along with Max Rose and Friedrich Wilhelm Eßlinger. Initially, Benz’s company manufactured industrial machinery and gas engines.
Karl Benz, however, pursued his passion for automobiles, famously calling them “horseless carriages.” In 1886, he created the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, widely recognized as the world’s first gasoline-powered automobile, marking a pivotal moment in automotive history.
In 1926, these two pioneering companies, DMG and Benz & Cie., merged to form Mercedes-Benz, combining their legacies of innovation and engineering excellence to create one of the most iconic and respected automotive brands globally.
Did you know?
So dominant were Mercedes cars in early automotive competitions that in 1901, a French auto club declared, “We have entered the Mercedes era,” acknowledging Mercedes’ superior engineering and performance that set a new benchmark in the industry.
3. Opel Automobile GmbH
Year founded: 1862
Founders: Adam Opel
Country: Germany
Opel Automobile GmbH, commonly known as Opel, has a diverse manufacturing history that began on January 21, 1862. Adam Opel founded the company initially as a manufacturer of sewing machines, diversifying into bicycle production in 1886. Opel’s entry into the automotive industry came in 1899, marking a significant shift in its business focus.
Opel officially presented its first automobile at the 1902 Hamburg Motor Show. A pivotal event that solidified Opel’s commitment to car manufacturing was a factory fire a few years later. Following the fire, the company made a strategic decision to rebuild the factory solely for automobile production, fully transitioning away from sewing machines and bicycles.
By 1913, Opel had risen to become the largest car manufacturer in Germany and by 1930, it achieved the status of Europe’s largest car producer, reflecting its rapid growth and market success.
Opel’s brand portfolio extends beyond its namesake vehicles; it also markets cars under the Vauxhall, Buick, and Holden brands in various global markets, showcasing its extensive international presence and brand diversification strategy.
Did you know?
Today, Opel operates as a subsidiary of Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation. Historically, Opel was part of the PSA Group and, prior to that, General Motors, illustrating its integration within different major automotive groups over the years.
2. Tatra
Year founded: 1850
Founders: Ignác Šustala
Country: Czech Republic
Tatra’s history began in 1850 when it was founded as Ignatz Schustala & Comp. by Ignác Šustala. Initially, the company specialized in manufacturing horse-drawn carriages, reflecting the transportation technology of the era. In 1891, Tatra expanded into producing railroad cars and changed its name to Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau Fabriksgesellschaft, reflecting its broader manufacturing scope.
A significant turning point occurred in 1897 when Tatra’s technical director, Hugo Fischer von Roeslerstamm, acquired a Benz automobile. Inspired by this technology, Fischer spearheaded the development of Tatra’s first car, named the Präsident, launched later the same year. The following year, Tatra produced its first truck, diversifying its product line early in its automotive journey.
During World War II, Tatra contributed to the German military effort by producing tank engines and trucks. However, an ironic and unfortunate flaw was discovered: Tatra trucks were prone to overturning at high speeds, leading to numerous accidents and casualties among German soldiers. Consequently, orders were issued prohibiting German soldiers from using Tatra trucks, a peculiar chapter in the company’s wartime history.
Tatra officially ceased production of passenger cars in 1999, refocusing its manufacturing efforts on trucks, particularly all-wheel-drive models, in which it has maintained a specialized and respected position in the market.
Did you know?
Karel Loprais, a celebrated Czech truck racer, has achieved remarkable success in the Dakar Rally, winning six times while driving Tatra vehicles. His victories underscore Tatra’s engineering excellence and durability in demanding conditions, particularly in the realm of heavy-duty and off-road vehicles.
1. Peugeot
Year founded: 1810
Founders: Armand Peugeot
Country: France
Peugeot opened its doors in 1810, initially as a family-run company producing coffee mills, marking the commencement of a long and diverse manufacturing history. The company expanded into bicycle manufacturing in 1830, and in 1842, added salt, pepper, and coffee grinders to its product range, showcasing its early diversification.
Armand Peugeot, a member of the Peugeot family, harbored a keen interest in automobile manufacturing and initiated car production in 1882. This makes Peugeot the oldest car company in the world with continuous operations, although its initial products were not automobiles.
Peugeot’s first automobile, a steam tricycle, was developed in collaboration with Léon Serpollet in 1889. However, this steam-powered vehicle proved unreliable for mass production. In 1890, Peugeot transitioned to internal combustion engines, producing a more successful car with a Panhard-Daimler engine.
Family disagreements led Armand Peugeot to leave the original company and establish Société des Automobiles Peugeot in 1896. Two years later, he began manufacturing motorcycles, further expanding Peugeot’s product line. In 1926, the motorcycle and car manufacturing divisions were officially separated into distinct companies, streamlining operations and focusing expertise.
Peugeot has been recognized with numerous awards, including five European Car of the Year awards, two Semperit Irish Car of the Year awards, four Car of the Year Auto Europa awards, and nine Car of the Year awards in Spain, highlighting its consistent design and engineering achievements.
Did you know?
Peugeot Sport, Peugeot’s motorsport division, has achieved considerable success in competitive racing, securing five World Rally Championships, two Intercontinental Le Mans Cups, two World Endurance Championships, and three Intercontinental Rally Challenge Championships. Peugeot is currently a subsidiary of Group PSA, now part of Stellantis, continuing its long-standing presence in the automotive industry.
Conclusion
It’s almost impossible to imagine modern life without cars. They have fundamentally reshaped our world, enhancing personal mobility and driving societal progress. The remarkable longevity of these pioneering car companies, many starting over a century ago, underscores the deep historical roots of the automotive industry.
As evidenced by the evolution visible in the images of early models to modern vehicles, cars have undergone dramatic advancements. Manufacturers have continually innovated, resulting in cars that are faster, more comfortable, and significantly more efficient. This trajectory of progress is set to continue, with ongoing developments in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and sustainable technologies promising further transformation.
The next time you drive your car, take a moment to appreciate the rich history of automotive innovation it represents and the enduring legacy of the companies that have driven humanity forward. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
