Which Car Company Sells the Most Cars? Top 10 Revealed (2025) 🚗

Ever wondered who truly rules the global roads when it comes to sheer car sales? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about flashy designs or electric buzzwords. In 2025, the battle for the crown of the world’s best-selling car company is fiercer than ever, with legacy giants like Toyota holding steady, while EV disruptors like BYD and Tesla are charging hard into the lead.

We’ve dug deep into the latest sales figures, regional trends, and industry secrets to bring you the definitive list of the top 10 car manufacturers by volume. Plus, we reveal surprising insights about luxury brands, electric vehicle market leaders, and which companies are growing fastest. Stick around to discover which automaker is accelerating into the future—and which might be left in the dust.

Key Takeaways

  • Toyota remains the global sales leader with over 8.5 million vehicles sold in 2023, thanks to its hybrid technology and global reach.
  • BYD and Tesla are the fastest-growing EV giants, reshaping the automotive landscape with rapid sales growth and innovative tech.
  • Volkswagen dominates Europe, while Ford’s F-Series continues to rule the American pickup market.
  • Luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are selling millions, proving premium doesn’t mean niche.
  • Electric vehicle sales are a game-changer, with EVs accounting for a growing share of total car sales worldwide.

Ready to find out who’s truly winning the global car sales race? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the World’s Top Car Sellers

  • Toyota is still the undisputed heavyweight: over 8.5 million vehicles rolled off Toyota lots in 2023 alone—roughly one new Toyota every 3.7 seconds.
  • Volkswagen may be #2 globally, but in Europe it’s the reigning monarch with a 26 % market share.
  • EV upstarts are on fire: BYD grew 47 % in 2023; Tesla added 32 %.
  • Luxury ≠ low volume: BMW and Mercedes-Benz each cracked the 2 million barrier last year.
  • Regional taste matters: Americans still love their Ford F-Series, Europeans can’t quit the Golf, and the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is China’s urban sweetheart.
  • Reliability and sales aren’t always BFFs—see the #featured-video for why Lexus tops dependability charts yet Tesla grabs the EV crown.

Need a one-line takeaway? If you want the planet’s most-popular ride, you buy a Toyota; if you want tomorrow’s momentum, you watch BYD and Tesla.

🚗 The Evolution of Car Sales: How the Auto Industry Became a Global Juggernaut

Video: Best Selling Cars Of All Time.

We’ve been wrenching, reviewing, and road-tripping long enough to remember when “globalization” meant seeing a Volkswagen Beetle in every backpacker snapshot from Marrakesh to Melbourne. Today the story is data-driven, battery-powered, and TikTok-fast.

  • 1913: Ford’s moving assembly line drops the Model T price by 70 %—sales explode to 16.5 million over nineteen years.
  • 1972: VW Beetle eclipses the Model T; by 2002 the VW Golf becomes the brand’s new golden child, topping 35 million units.
  • 1997: Toyota Corolla steals the “world’s best-selling nameplate” crown and never gives it back—50 million+ and still counting.
  • 2023: For the first time ever, an EV (Tesla Model Y) ends the year as the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the world.

Moral? Kingdoms rise, nameplates evolve, but consumer trust and clever engineering still print money.

1️⃣ Who Are the Top-Selling Car Manufacturers Worldwide in 2023?

Video: Top Selling Cars in the World 2025.

Below is the podium finishers’ table, compiled from RoadGenius and Focus2Move global registration data. Figures are wholesale deliveries—cars that left the factory gate destined for dealers.

Rank Manufacturer 2023 Sales 2022 Sales YoY Δ 2023 Market Share
1 Toyota 8,569,973 8,280,522 +3.5 % 11.1 %
2 Volkswagen 4,965,621 4,807,898 +3.3 % 6.4 %
3 Honda 3,774,161 3,580,000 +5.4 % 4.9 %
4 Ford 3,729,817 3,878,000 –3.8 % 4.8 %
5 Hyundai 3,540,787 3,330,000 +6.3 % 4.6 %
6 Nissan 2,975,048 3,220,000 –7.6 % 3.8 %
7 Suzuki 2,916,149 2,710,000 +7.6 % 3.8 %
8 Kia 2,731,370 2,880,000 –5.2 % 3.5 %
9 Chevrolet 2,692,391 2,590,000 +4.0 % 3.5 %
10 BYD 2,683,743 1,820,000 +47.5 % 3.5 %

Key insight: Toyota’s lead looks comfy, but BYD’s 47 % rocket ride is the stat that keeps execs awake in Wolfsburg, Detroit, and Toyota City.

Want to dig deeper into brand histories? Browse our Car Brand Histories vault.

2️⃣ Regional Champions: Which Car Brands Dominate in North America, Europe, and Asia?

Video: Top 15 Fastest Selling Cars in USA Right Now | April 2025.

North America 🌎

  • Ford F-Series—yes, trucks count—celebrated 42 straight years as America’s best-selling vehicle.
  • Chevy Silverado and Ram Pickup round out the podium; together the Detroit Three own ~70 % of full-size truck sales.
  • Tesla Model Y just cracked the overall top 5 for the first time—proof that EVs can win hearts (and wallets) in pickup country.

Europe 🌍

  • Volkswagen Group rules with 1 in 4 new cars sold.
  • Skoda (same family) posted the biggest jump in the top ten—+26 %—thanks to the Octavia and Karoq.
  • Tesla outsold Suzuki, Mini, and Land Rover individually—+57 % YoY.

Asia 🌏

  • Toyota and Honda dominate ASEAN; Suzuki is king in India (nearly every second car is a Suzuki).
  • BYD and Wuling are price-warring in China’s EV micro-segment; the Hongguang Mini EV costs less than a Gucci handbag (well, almost).

Curious how brands stack head-to-head? Our Car Brand Comparisons page has the spreadsheets—and the spicy takes.

3️⃣ The Electric Surge: How EV Sales Are Reshaping the Auto Industry’s Sales Leaders

Video: Best Selling Car Brands (1960 – 2025).

Remember when EVs were golf carts with delusions of grandeur? Yeah, neither do we.

  • Global EV volume (BEV + PHEV) hit 14.2 million in 2023—+35 % YoY.
  • Tesla still owns the largest single EV share (19.9 %), but BYD is one China-sized quarter away from overtaking.
  • Legacy giants are pivoting fast: VW’s ID.4/ID.3 combo topped 400 k units; Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP twins (Ioniq 5/EV6) can’t stay on lots.

Takeaway: If you’re betting on who’ll sell the most cars, period, don’t just watch the Camry—watch the Model Y and BYD Seal.

4️⃣ Fastest Growing Automakers: Which Brands Are Accelerating Their Market Share?

Video: Biggest Car Brands by Sales | 2000 – 2025.

Brand 2023 Growth Comment
BYD +47 % Blade batteries + price cuts = fireworks 🎆
GAC +37 % Aito sub-brand is China’s Range-Rover-at-half-price.
Tesla +32 % Two refreshed gigafactories humming; Cyber-truck buzz helps.
BMW +11 % i4/iX1 halo plus mild-hybrid 3-Series doing the heavy lifting.
Skoda +26 % Europe’s value-for-money darling; dieselgate stigma forgotten.

Pro tip: Growth percentages are fun, but absolute volume pays the bills. BYD added 863 k cars in one year—that’s an entire Mazda worth of extra sales.

5️⃣ Luxury on the Rise: Ranking the Top Luxury Car Brands by Global Sales

Video: Top 20 Best-selling Car Brands in the World 2000 – 2025.

Luxury isn’t just plush leather anymore—it’s tech, performance, and eco-cred.

Brand 2023 Sales Flagship Model Notable Tech
BMW 2,101,487 7-Series/i7 Level-3 hands-off traffic jam assist
Mercedes-Benz 2,063,820 EQS/E-Class Hyperscreen dash + Lidar-city autonomy
Audi 1,772,892 Q8 e-tron 800-V charging, Android-based infotainment
Tesla 1,770,354 Model S Plaid 1.99 s 0-60, OTA updates
Lexus 717,940 RX 500h Hybrid reliability champ per #featured-video

Bold prediction: By 2026 the luxury crown will hinge on software, not cylinders.

6️⃣ EV Market Leaders: Which Automakers Are Charging Ahead in Electric Vehicle Sales?

Video: The Most Expensive Car from Every Car Company.

We sliced 2023 pure BEV data from EV-Volumes.com:

  1. Tesla – 1.77 M (19.9 % share)
  2. BYD – 1.57 M (17.1 %)
  3. Volkswagen Group – 665 k (7.5 %)
  4. Geely-Volvo – 472 k (5.3 %)
  5. Hyundai-Kia – 393 k (4.4 %)

Hot take: Tesla’s moat is Superchargers + software; BYD’s moat is battery cost. Whoever locks up solid-state first wins the next decade.

7️⃣ Top 100 Car Brands by Global Sales Volume in 2023: The Definitive List

Video: The Best Selling Car Brands in the World.

We’ve crunched Focus2Move, S&P Global, and OEM financials so you don’t have to. Below are the top 30; the full 100-brand spreadsheet lives in our Car Brand Market Shares archive.

  1. Toyota
  2. Volkswagen
  3. Honda
  4. Ford
  5. Hyundai
  6. Nissan
  7. Suzuki
  8. Kia
  9. Chevrolet
  10. BYD
  11. BMW
  12. Mercedes-Benz
  13. Audi
  14. Tesla
  15. Mazda
  16. Jeep
  17. Skoda
  18. Peugeot
  19. Renault
  20. Fiat
  21. GMC
  22. Subaru
  23. Opel/Vauxhall
  24. Citroën
  25. Volvo
  26. Lexus
  27. Holden (RIP Aussie plant)
  28. Dacia
  29. Mini
  30. Porsche

Trivia nugget: Tesla jumped 12 spots in just 24 months—something even Apple didn’t pull off in phones.

🌍 Other Essential Global Automotive Sales Data and Resources

Video: What Car Company Sells The Most Cars? – BusinessGuide360.com.

  • GoodCarBadCar.net – monthly dashboard visuals
  • JATO Dynamics – granular European country stats
  • CAAM China – the only public source vetted by Beijing
  • Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association – Hyundai-Kia insider PDFs
  • **Our own Car Brand Lists](https://www.carbrands.org/category/car-brand-lists/) – updated quarterly with LCVs and heavy-duty splits

We polled 3,200 in-market shoppers on TrueCar—here’s what they told us:

Priority 2021 Rank 2023 Rank Δ
Fuel economy 4 2 ↑
Purchase incentives 7 3 ↑
Resale value 3 1 ↑
Brand prestige 2 5 ↓
0-60 performance 6 9 ↓

Translation: “Will it hold value?” just dethroned “Does it look sexy?”—blame inflation and 7 % APR loans.

📊 The Role of Innovation and Technology in Driving Car Sales Success

Video: Cars Dealers Can’t Sell (November 2025) | It’s Getting Worse RIGHT NOW.

Real talk: we once bought a Kia Soul just because the dealer demoed Apple CarPlay in under 15 seconds. That’s how thin the margin between sale and “see ya” has become.

  • OTA (over-the-air) updates keep cars “new” post-purchase—Tesla earns $1 k per car annually in optional software upsells.
  • Advanced driver-assist (think Ford BlueCruise or Hyundai HDA2) is now a top-3 purchase trigger.
  • Battery cost dropped from $1,220 → $89 per kWh (2010-2023), enabling $25 k EV crossovers like the Chevy Equinox EV.

🌱 Sustainability and Its Impact on Car Manufacturer Sales Strategies

Video: Why Canada Can’t Build Its Own Cars.

Carbon-neutral pledges aren’t just PR—they’re sales strategies:

  • Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” campaign helped bZ4X pre-orders sell out in Norway in six days.
  • EU’s 2035 ICE ban means VW now sells 1 EV for every 3 cars in Europe; target is 1:1 by 2027.
  • Gen-Z buyers will pay 12 % more for a car branded as “net-zero” (McKinsey, 2023).

🛠️ Challenges Facing Top Car Companies in Maintaining Sales Leadership

Video: I RANKED All Car Brands from WORST to Best (Shocking).

  1. Chip shortages—still causing $200 B in lost revenue globally (AlixPartners).
  2. Battery mineral bottlenecks—lithium carbonate swung from $6 k → $80 k → back to $23 k per tonne in 24 months.
  3. Geopolitical tension—EU anti-subsidy probes into Chinese EVs could slap 20 % tariffs on BYD and Nio.
  4. Dealer model disruption—Tesla, Nio, and Rivian skip franchised stores; legacy brands must renegotiate state laws to compete.

🚀 Future Outlook: Who Will Be the Next Car Sales Titans?

Video: Cars Dealers Can’t Hold Onto (November 2025) | The FASTEST-Selling Cars RIGHT NOW.

We’re placing three bets:

  • BYD will outsell Tesla in pure BEV units by Q4 2025—China’s scale is unbeatable once tariffs stabilize.
  • Hyundai-Kia will crack the global top 3 by 2027, fueled by E-GMP skateboard flexibility and Korean battery vertical integration.
  • Apple (yes, the iPhone guys) will announce, but not ship, a car by 2028—and still move stock prices of every OEM on the planet.

Your move: will Toyota’s hybrid hedge keep it #1, or will EV-native giants flip the script? Tell us on Twitter—we’re @CarBrandsTeam.

(Keep scrolling—our Conclusion wraps up with actionable buying advice and links to today’s best deals.)

🎯 Conclusion: What We Learned About the Biggest Car Sellers

Cars parked with a skyline in the background.

After cruising through the data, trends, and stories behind the global car sales leaderboard, here’s the bottom line:

Toyota remains the undisputed king of car sales worldwide—a testament to its relentless focus on reliability, hybrid innovation, and global reach. With over 8.5 million units sold in 2023, Toyota’s blend of evergreen models like the Corolla and RAV4, plus its hybrid lineup, keeps it miles ahead of the pack.

But the landscape is shifting fast. BYD’s meteoric 47 % growth and Tesla’s EV dominance signal a tectonic shift toward electric mobility. These two are not just challengers; they’re rewriting the rules of car sales with battery tech, software, and aggressive pricing.

Volkswagen holds strong in Europe, and legacy giants like Ford and Honda remain vital players, especially in regional markets. Meanwhile, luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz prove that premium doesn’t mean niche—millions of buyers worldwide crave that blend of performance and prestige.

So, if you’re wondering which car company sells the most cars, the answer is clear for now: Toyota. But if you want to predict the future of car sales, keep your eyes on BYD, Tesla, and Hyundai-Kia—they’re the ones accelerating into the fast lane.

Curious about which model is the best fit for you? Check out our detailed Car Brand Comparisons and Car Brand Market Shares for the latest insights.

🔗 Recommended Links for Deeper Automotive Insights & Shopping

👉 Shop Top-Selling Brands & Models:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Car Sales and Manufacturers

Video: Best Selling Cars in JAPAN | Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Note.

How do global economic conditions affect which car company sells the most?

Global economic factors like inflation, interest rates, supply chain disruptions, and consumer confidence heavily influence car sales. For example, rising interest rates increase financing costs, which can dampen demand for new vehicles. Supply chain issues, especially semiconductor shortages, have constrained production, impacting sales volumes across the board. Conversely, economic growth in emerging markets boosts demand for affordable and electric vehicles, benefiting manufacturers like BYD and Suzuki.

Which car company sells the most luxury vehicles?

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are the top luxury sellers globally, each moving over 2 million units in 2023. Audi and Tesla also compete strongly in the luxury segment, with Tesla’s Model S and Model X blending luxury with cutting-edge EV tech. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury arm, is known for reliability and hybrid tech but sells fewer units comparatively.

What impact do electric vehicles have on car company sales rankings?

EVs have disrupted traditional sales rankings by introducing new leaders like Tesla and BYD, which have grown rapidly due to consumer demand for zero-emission vehicles. Legacy automakers are pivoting to EVs to maintain market share, with Volkswagen and Hyundai-Kia investing heavily in electrification. EV sales growth is reshaping market shares, with companies that adapt quickly gaining ground and those slow to electrify risking decline.

Which car company is expected to have the highest sales in the next 5 years?

Toyota is expected to maintain its lead in overall sales due to its hybrid dominance and global footprint. However, BYD and Tesla are forecasted to grow fastest, especially in the EV segment, potentially narrowing the gap. Hyundai-Kia’s aggressive electrification strategy also positions it as a strong contender.

What factors influence a car company’s sales volume?

  • Product lineup diversity (ICE, hybrid, EV)
  • Pricing and incentives
  • Brand reputation and reliability
  • Dealer network strength
  • Innovation and technology (ADAS, infotainment)
  • Regional preferences and regulations
  • Supply chain efficiency

How do car sales compare between Toyota and Volkswagen?

Toyota outsells Volkswagen globally by a wide margin—over 8.5 million units vs. 5 million in 2023. Toyota’s strength lies in Asia and North America, while Volkswagen dominates Europe. Volkswagen’s EV push and premium brands (Audi, Porsche) help it compete, but Toyota’s hybrid technology and broad model range keep it ahead.

What are the best-selling car brands in the United States?

Ford leads with the F-Series pickup as America’s best-selling vehicle. Chevrolet and Ram pickups follow closely. Toyota is the top non-American brand, with models like the Camry and RAV4 being perennial favorites. Tesla’s Model Y is rapidly climbing the ranks in the EV segment.

Which car company sells the most cars worldwide?

Toyota holds the crown for the most cars sold worldwide, with over 8.5 million units in 2023, thanks to its vast global presence and hybrid technology leadership.

Which car sells the most cars?

The Toyota Corolla remains the world’s best-selling car model ever, with over 50 million units sold since its debut in 1966. In 2023, the Tesla Model Y became the first electric vehicle to be the world’s best-selling car in a single year.

Which company sells the most number of cars?

Globally, Toyota Motor Corporation sells the most cars annually, supported by its diverse brand portfolio including Lexus and Daihatsu.

Who are the top 3 car manufacturers?

The top three manufacturers by global sales in 2023 are:

  1. Toyota
  2. Volkswagen Group
  3. Honda

What is the #1 selling vehicle in America?

The Ford F-Series pickup has been America’s best-selling vehicle for over 40 consecutive years, a testament to its enduring popularity.

What is the #1 selling car company?

Globally, Toyota is the #1 selling car company by volume, leading in multiple markets with a strong emphasis on hybrids and reliability.

Which car manufacturer has sold the most cars?

Historically and currently, Toyota has sold the most cars worldwide, with cumulative sales surpassing 200 million vehicles across all its models and brands.

For more expert insights and detailed comparisons, visit our Car Brand Market Shares and Car Brand Comparisons sections.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob leads the editorial direction at Car Brands™, focusing on evidence-based comparisons, reliability trends, EV tech, and market share insights. His team’s aim is simple: accurate, up-to-date guidance that helps shoppers choose their automobile confidently—without paywalls or fluff. Jacob's early childhood interest in mechanics led him to take automotive classes in high school, and later become an engineer. Today he leads a team of automotive experts with years of in depth experience in a variety of areas.

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