The list of car makers in every nation tends to shift around a lot: bankruptcies, inward investment and start-ups account for most changes. This run-down includes firms set up by overseas car makers. Number 2 will astonish you. Read the full list now.
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15 car makers
Italy's cars are adored from Dubai to Dundee, covering a broad range of vehicle types. From regular family cars built by auto giant Fiat, to lusted-after super-cars from the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Italians know how to make a decent motor.
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15 car makers
In joint position with Italy, Pakistan's car manufacturers are not quite as famous or easy on the eye as your Mazzeratis or Paganis, but they make the list nonetheless. The oldest car maker is Korakoram, dating from 1962.
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16 car makers
Given Japan's automotive dominance around the world, it might surprise some that the East Asian nation is so far down the list. Firms like Lexus, which are owned by Toyota, are included. Japan's oldest car maker is Mitsubishi (1870), but then it handled shipping rather than car making.
21 car makers
21 car-makers comprise Russia's car manufacturing industry, most of which you may not have heard of. Marques like Spetsteh, Silant and Dragon have yet to find an export market on these shores. The oldest brand, Russo-Balt, can be traced back to 1894.
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22 car makers
Edging out the Russians is Germany, with its portfolio of 22 reputable high-end car makers. Legendary marques such as Mercedes, BMW, Daimler, Audi and Volkswagen all hail from Germany. Its industry comprises mass-market and luxury cars and its firms have set up factories around the globe. Opel can trace its roots back to 1862.
30 car makers
To US and European car buyers, most of Brazil's 30 car makers are something of a mystery. The likes of Brasinca, Gurgel and Troller are, however, very popular with locals. Outside auto makers have set up here too, including Volkswagen whose Brazilian arm was founded in 1972.
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31 car makers
Once upon a time, only heavy, clunky cars like the Ambassador were built in India. Today, this car type has been augmented with lighter, more modern vehicles. Indeed, Tata, founded in 1949, has grown beyond India to acquire all manner of auto assets, including Britain's Jaguar Land Rover. A number of overseas marques have built factories here, including Ford, GM, Renault and Skoda.
32 car makers
As the world's most populous nation, you would expect China to have a fair few car makers. Coming just ahead of its emerging economic rival India, China's 32 marques are mostly domestic, the most famous of which is probably Chery and Geely. Many auto-makers have set up in the last 20 years - such as Emgrand (2009), Polarsun (2009) and Qoros (2007). While China may only be ranked 3rd on this list, it produces the most cars of any nation on Earth.
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37 car makers
Dozens of UK car marques have gone the way of the do-do since the 1960s and yet the UK clings on to second spot. Many British car makers are niche luxury or sports car brands, although Jaguar Land Rover vies for the 'largest producer' spot with Nissan. Famous surviving UK brands include Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Lotus, McLaren and MINI. The vast majority of car makers are owned by overseas auto giants like Volkswagen, BMW and India's Tata. Despite the industry's historic problems with competitiveness, efficiency and quality, however, the ability for 37 car makers to survive in such a relatively small country is testament to the skills and adaptability of the domestic workforce.
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58 car makers
With 58 car makers, the USA is way ahead of any other nation. The list includes established giants such as GM and Chrysler, as well as innovative newer brands like Tesla and a number of overseas subsidiaries, including Volkswagen and Toyota. Ford, founded in 1903, demonstrated how affordable, mass-produced cars could bring personal transport to the masses.
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