Awesome Car Brands You've Never Heard Of

January 16, 2023

From A-Z there are plenty of car brands worldwide, some are household names, such as Honda or Mazda, while others can get lost in the noise. Rare brands in the auto world are less prevalent in daily life for a few reasons: specific brands are specializing in luxury cars the average consumer can not afford, differences in geographical markets, or discontinued brands. With that being said, here's a thorough list of automotive company names, products, and pictures the average consumer probably hasn't heard of. (Yet!)

Venucia

Venucia is an interesting car brand located in the Chinese market and owned by Dongfeng Motor Co. Production started in 2012 with their mid-class D50 Sedan. This Nissan subsidiary reportedly sold two hundred thousand units in its first two years and had produced nine models to date. By no means is Venucia a market leader in China, but the fresh design and innovative R&D speak to the younger demographic they cater towards. Venucia has been recognized as one of the few marques launched in China which have been deemed successful since inception in 2010.

Next up is a Chinese company which is locally known for both luxury and quality.

Hognqi

Hongqi is next up on the docket and is another Chinese company; however, this company has been around for a long time. Incepted in 1958, Hongqi is owned by FAW Car Company, a subsidiary of FAW Group. With such a unique look, the brand is the oldest Chinese passenger marque but was revived in the middle of the 1990’s. Hongqi is currently selling six different models and is known for maintaining a modern and luxurious quality. Reportedly priced at over one million dollars, the HQE model would be the most expensive unit sold.

Pagani

Pagani is an Italian automotive company which produces some of the most luxurious supercars in the world. Company roots dated back to 1992 and were incepted by Horacio Pagani, who believed in the importance of art as much as function. Designs are modeled after Da Vinci art styles and prove to be the redeeming quality of each unit produced. Listed as the most expensive Pagani car ever, the Huayra BC is priced at $2,800,000. This luxury vehicle designed for Benny Caiola - who is a longtime friend of Pagani - and first to ever purchase a company car, is the reason behind the 'BC' in Huayra BC.

Caterham Cars

Caterham Cars are next up and make for a unique addition to the list. Colin Chapman produced the stunningly elegant yet straightforward Seven in 1957 with a form to fit philosophy which focused on performance and lightweight vehicles. Six years later, Caterham Cars purchased the rights to design from Chapman and have continued to produce cars to this day based on the sophisticated design. With driver experience as the focal point of each unit production, these vehicles are ideal for the track or back road driving, not to mention the driver academy which has served over one-thousand individuals. Following will be a Russia auto company which is cherished for commercial vehicles.

Gaz

Gaz is the most significant automotive manufacturer in Russia with the broadest range of products from commercial to specialized vehicles. Vans, busses and drop-side trucks make up a substantial portion of sales, which solidifies the brand heavily in the service industry and is known for incredible functionality. Gaz originated as a cooperation between the Soviet Union and Ford Motor Co. in 1929 where Soviets agreed to front production and parts, while Ford decided to assist with technical expertise. Last reported revenue dates back to 2011 and came in at four-million-one-hundred-thousand rubles.

Next up is an old 19th-century company which discontinued in 1925, but made comeback years later.

Spyker

Spyker dates back to the late 19th century when two founding brothers Hendrik Jan and Jacobus Spijker opened doors as a building and repair company for carriages in the Netherlands. Quickly, the company began building vehicles rather than fixing and promptly received admiration for impressive design and quality engine. Spyker continued to grow, as well as contributing aircrafts during the first world war. In 1925 - forty-five years after its inception - Spyker ceased production and closed doors. In the year 2000, Spyker returned as a luxury sports-car brand which is cherished for working heritage and craftsmanship into designs. Most recent model for this lost treasure of a company is the 2016C8 Preliator.

Formula 1 racing is a specialty of the next company that has broken world records.

Venturi

Venturi is a French car manufacturer which is known for active participation in Formula 1 and racing. Venturi is credited with constructing the world’s first sports car which is entirely powered by electricity. Also, in 2009 Venturi was again credited for breaking a world record, by achieving the globe’s fastest world speed record. Since then, Venturi has continued to set records as well as demonstrate quality vehicle construction in Formula racing. With advancing technologies, Venturi continually strives to push the innovative boundaries and has shown through their Solar Commuter which runs entirely on solar electricity and creates zero emissions. Moreover, Venturi has recently developed a zero-emission electric vehicle for the Antarctic which is capable of exploring terrains in icy conditions.

British consumers may know this next brand, but to Western readers, good luck!

TVR

Around since 1946, TVR is a British automotive company which is heralded for enigmatic designs and rumbling engines. As a look, TVR has an easily identifiable image which hosts a mix of classic British aesthetic and a light body. Although the company has been relatively quiet since 2013, the brand has been working tirelessly to bring the world a new product to revolutionize the auto industry. An in-depth focus has been placed on avoiding the common manufacturing mistake of rushing a car to production, and instead, has been redirected to fine detailing. Latest from TVR will be released in 2018 and has been announced to be “Unapologetic, loud, proud and British built.”

Strap on your seatbelt for the next company on the list.

Seat

Seat is next on the docket and the first to be mentioned from Martorell, Spain. This spanish auto company has a brand based on enjoying the journey as opposed to going fast. Seat is over sixty-years-old now and has a wide selection of products which range from sedans to family cars, hatchbacks, and even sports cars. An extensive collection of historical products, which each has a story, Seat has cleverly designed a digital museum for customers to view data and characteristics of units to emphasize the evolution, such as the Seat 1400 and even company participation in the Olympics. Following is a company which has scootered its way to popularity, but only in dense cities.

Piaggio

Piaggio Group is an interesting company which barely makes the list, not because its super well known in America, but because they hardly produce cars. Piaggio is an Italian company which is mostly known for its two-wheelers; however, they do produce commercial vehicles for the market as well. Primarily known across Europe, the commercial vehicles, including their ‘Ape’ product, are versatile, small and maneuverable light transports which are popular for crowded streets in compact cities often found in India or other densely populated locations. Scooters and motorsport bikes make up the majority of sales though for this acclaimed company with one-hundred-four world titles and a history which dates all the way back to 1884.

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