During the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the United States has dominated the automobile industry. The United States was the first country to come up with the idea of replacing the horses on horse-drawn carriages with engines. Their discovery has revolutionized the automobile industry, but over the following years, Europe has perfected the whole concept of the automobile industry. Better value for money, higher quality, innovative, more affordable and much more fuel efficient cars is what makes Europe better in manufacturing cars than the United States these days.
It all started in the late 19th century, with the initial efforts of Germany and France. However, Europe today has a plenty of car brands and not only from Germany and France, some of which having the world's most recognizable car logos. It is the second smallest continent with 51 countries, of which about 15 have several car manufacturers, both popular and unpopular. The European car brands have earned reputation on high quality, innovative and highly advanced technologies and design. Also, Europe manufacturers some of the safest and noiseless cars.
Both the automobile market and automobile industry in Europe have been growing incredibly fast over the years and it has given birth to some of the most popular car brands in the world. Germany, France and Italy have introduced us with a plethora of iconic car logos, featured on the most innovative, good-looking, most powerful and fastest cars. Below I will briefly guide you to the top 7 European car brands in no particular order.
Ferrari
Ferrari is definitely the most popular European car brand of all time, thanks to the huge success of Ferrari models known as “the red dream”. This brand may also bear the most iconic logo of all car logos, which features a black horse on a yellow background. Ever since 1929, Ferrari's focus has been to manufacture fast, powerful and luxury sports cars that can amaze every car enthusiast. Today's status of this brand goes beyond any other car brand, as Ferrari cars have made hundreds and thousands of appearances in all sorts of media, which has been crucial for its world-wide domination.
Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz may be the only brand that shouldn't stray away from the saying “Think outside the box”, because their box fits quite perfectly, meaning – you should never change the winning team. Founded in 1926 as Daimler Benz, Mercedes Benz is today known as a car manufacturer that produces the most durable and reliable vehicles in the world. The brand is a part of the “German Big Three”, along with BMW and Audi, which are the best German car brands. Pure driving pleasure, exceptional performance, innovative design and highly advanced technologies, these is just the tip of the iceberg of what Mercedes Benz offers.
BMW
The brand BMW has nested so highly on the pyramid of car that brings awesomeness on the roads that their name has become a synonym of excellence. Well-known for its intriguing logo and its beginning as an aircraft engine manufacturer, BMW is one of the largest German, European and world's car brands. Headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, the brand is a part of the “German Big Three” and its focus is on manufacturing luxury sports cars. BMW has stood the test of time, being in the world's top 10 car brands for most of its existence.
Audi
Dominating the luxury cars segment for over a century certainly makes Audi one of the most popular European car brands. This German car maker is the result of the merging of four companies: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. The company is represented by the iconic four-rings logo, which is among the most recognizable car logos. This premium luxury brand has become especially popular over the last few decades by providing great value-for-money cars. Their diverse car line up features some of the most popular sports models in the world, such as the TT and the R8.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin is another famous European car brand that has built reputation on its incredibly luxurious and classy cars. The British car brand was founded back in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, whose goal was to design a racing car to attend races with their own car. If you check out the history of Aston Martin, all you can notice is that this brand is all about excellence, class and luxury. Aston Martin is widely considered to be the best British car brand of all time. Exceptional performance, top speed, class and again luxury is what Aston Martin cars are known for.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen was founded 78 years ago in Wolfsburg, Germany and today it is the second largest car manufacturer in the world. This popular European car brand has introduced some of the most awarded car models, including their 3 models in the top 10 best cars of all time: the Golf, the Beetle and the Passat. Volkswagen may not be known for manufacturing as luxurious sports cars as other European car brands, but it certainly provides some of the world's most durable, reliable and high quality cars. Due to its massive success, the brand has become well-known all over the world.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo is an Italian car brand which designs and introduces some of the most stylish cars in the world. This brand is all about style, both inside and outside. Founded in 1910 in Milan, Alfa Romeo has always been devoted to delivering attractive and stylish car models, nonetheless, the brand is also producing buses, light commercial vehicles, trucks and even aircraft engines. As a subsidiary of the world-renowned Fiat Group, Alfa Romeo has achieved a world-wide success and doubled its yearly sales since. The brand may not be a fierce rival to Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini and other luxurious brand, but it definitely has one of the most recognizable car symbols in the world.
