Top Ten Automakers of 2010

The financial crisis has changed the demographics of the auto industry putting formerly unknown manufacturers on the map, while top companies have lost their worldwide positions.

1. Toyota

Popular throughout the world by the sheer volume of cars it produces and sells in almost all countries; Toyota majorly caters the car and Light Commercial Vehicle segment. With marques such as Daihatsu, Hino, Lexus, Scion and Toyota, this giant manufacturer produces cars of mass appeal, elegance and comfort. With stylish cars regularly churned from its basket it would be hard to beat it from its top position.

2. General Motors

General Motors is a United States manufacturers and the second largest automaker in the world. This company has been ranked as the largest manufacturer of motors in the world though its share dwindled due to the financial crises and declaration of bankruptcy. Currently it is focusing on its core brands Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. Its biggest markets are North and South America and China; however it’s trying to put a foothold in other emerging markets like India, Germany, Spain, etc.

3. Ford Motor Co.

Ford Motor Co. introduced the revolutionary method of large-scale manufacturing of motor vehicles. It is the third largest manufacturer in the U.S behind Toyota and General Motors. The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo are the brands under its automobile segment. With a majority of its market share in North America and the U.S, Ford Motors is rapidly expanding its foothold globally with its ‘Ford’ brand.

4. Fiat

This Italian automotive major has a 20% stake in Chrysler since 2009 and its cars are best sellers in Brazil, Argentina and Poland. Its long list of ventures with local companies in India, China, France, Turkey, Russia and Pakistan has ensured that this company has made a mark on the auto industry. Fiat is constantly involved in R&D and its ‘Multiair’ engine won the ‘Best Engine of the Year 2010’ in the International Engine of the Year Awards for its innovative engine technology.

5. BMW

Renowned for manufacturing luxury and performance vehicles, this German company also owns the MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. It’s famous for its BMW 3

Series of models and has brought out many innovations with its flagship 7 Series sedans. The company also had a successful stint in Formula One before winning 20 races before selling out to Peter Sauber. BMW is rapidly expanding its client base by setting up subsidiaries in South Africa, India, United States, China, Canada, Austria and Egypt.

6. Daimler AG

Daimler Corporation is the thirteenth largest car manufacturer. This German automaker has an envious basket of brands consisting of the ultra-luxurious Maybach, the ever popular statement-Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Smart. Luxury and comfort are its two main focuses while manufacturing models. To increase its market share it has also entered into an alliance with Renault-Nissan in 2010.

7. Porsche SE

Another German manufacturer to feature on this list, Porsche is into manufacturing of luxury high performance automobiles. An impressive list of marques such as Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Scania, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen group has ranked it among the top luxury automakers in the world. Porsche cars are immensely successful in the Formula One circuit winning more than 28,000 races. Porsche Cayenne SUV is also very popular with more than 250,000 models sold till date.

8. Tata Motors

TATA Motors emerged as a leader in automotive manufacturing after its historic takeover of British brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. With a 70% market share in India, and ranked 19^th by OCIA as the world’s largest automaker, TATA Motors is renowned for manufacturing affordable and cost-effective vehicles. It has also rolled out production of the cheapest car in the world ‘TATA Nano’ available at an ex-showroom price of $ 2,146 only. Apart from India it also has manufacturing plants in Argentina, South Africa and Thailand.

9. Honda Motor Co.

The sixth largest automobile manufacturer in the world, Honda’s products are mid-sized and highly fuel efficient. Their line-up cars like the Honda Civic, Fit, Accord, Odyssey, Insight and CR-V are very popular in the car market. The Honda Civic has the longest running production period. Honda also produces more fuel-efficient cars than any other automakers according to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.

10. Chrysler Group LLC

A U.S. automobile manufacturer Chrysler has manufactured popular brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and GEMCAR- battery powered vehicles. Chrysler vehicles are also very popular among gamers with the Chrysler parody being used as ‘Chryslus Motors’ in Fallout video game series. Dodge vehicles are also used in the Need for Speed and Tom Clancy video games

Top Ten SUVs 2010

SUVs are usually meant for large families which is why the manufacturers are sure to include a lot of space in terms of seating and storage.

1. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse has four doors and the ability to accommodate 8 passengers at the same time. The horsepower is great and the engine runs very smoothly. The speed requirements have been kept at par with that of a family which is why it doesn’t exactly go very fast. It costs about 28 thousand dollars.

2. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has four doors as well but can seat on 5 passengers in one go. It is available in 6 different designs and therefore, models. The car can reach a speed of about 28 mpg and 22 mpg when the driver is on the highway and the city respectively. The Ford Escape is for 19 thousand dollars.

3. Hyundai Tucson
Similar to the Ford Escape, this SUV allows 5 passengers to sit comfortably and exit through 4 different doors. It is available in 9 models and the most popular one is the Limited Auto series. For a price of about 18 thousand dollars, it is quite reasonable and the engine is very reliable.

4. Honda CRV

A new model of the Honda CRV was introduced this year- it has 4 doors and can seat 5 people together. It comes along with a navigation system which is why it is slightly more expensive and will cost you about 25 thousand dollars.

5. Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox entered the market with 8 models in tow out of which the LTZ AWD is most sought after this year. One can fill in 2.4 liters of fuel and reach a speed of 32 mpg even when the terrain is steep. It will cost you about 28 thousand dollars.

6. GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain is large and has 4 doors which means that 6 people can easily fit in without having to stop breathing! It comes in 8 different models and the SLT2 AWD is the most popular when compared to the rest. Unlike the other SUVs, it can go pretty fast and the automatic transmission makes the drivers’ life much simpler.

7. Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento can cost you as much as 19 thousand dollars or 27 thousand dollars, depending on the model you select. That being said, the EX V6 4X4 is the best out of the lot- the engine will never give you any trouble and the maximum speed it can reach is pretty decent.

8. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is slightly more expensive and can cost you about 40 thousand dollars bout you can be sure that you will be not disappointed. These high-end SUVs can reach a speed of 23 mpg and 17 mpg, depending on the terrain. The models have been improved for this year and the change is quite welcome.

9. Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute has 4 doors and will accommodate 5 passengers. The Grand Touring series is said to be the best because it is slightly bigger than the rest. While the overdrive function is included in the features, it is always optional and the transmission is automatic, like always.

10. Honda Accord Crosstour

The Honda Accord Crosstour is pretty standard as far as SUVs are concerned. It has the usual 4 doors and basic accommodation. It is popular because of the inbuilt navigation system and its features that are state of the art.

Top Ten Pick Up Trucks 2010

Pick up trucks are usually large in size and have open top beds and those who purchase them need to move heavy materials from one place to the other.

1. Toyota Tundra

This pick up truck came out in 2000 and has been a favorite ever since. The engine is state of the art and people say that it has a very American feel to it which is why it fills the country’s streets. It won a prestigious award in 2008 and the company’s manufacturing headquarters are located in Texas.

2. Ford F-Series

F-150 is the most popular model in this category and has remained on top as far as sales are concerned for 3 decades. According to analysts, these pick up trucks account for most of the profits made by the company recently.

3. The Ram

This pick up truck was called Dodge Ram when it first came out and has sold massive volumes every since the beginning of the year. The design has changed as and when the market demands increased or decreased. It has won many awards over the years because it moves smoothly no matter what the nature of the terrain is.

4. Chevrolet Silverado

This model became a part of the market 12 years back. The design is classic and the company has proved that they know what they are doing. Even though it is slightly bulky and heavy duty, it is aimed at a particular category of customers and needless to say, it is doing well.

5. Honda Ridgeline

This pick up truck is full size and massive, to say the least. It first came out in 2005 and was Honda’s first experiment with this line of vehicles. It is particularly popular this year in Canada and was received an award a year after it entered the market.

6. Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux was initially known as the Tacoma about 15 years back. The basic configuration remained the same for many years but was recently modified. It is compact but able enough to carry great weights for greater distances.

7. Nissan Frontier

This series was manufactured 12 years back but was discontinued in Japan about 8 years back. However, it still monopolizes the market in North America and Tennessee. When the creators first drew out the structure, people were dubious whether it would be accepted by the public. Fortunately, it was and continues to work its charm in 2010 as well.

8. Mitsubishi Triton

This compact vehicle was popular in Japan for about 8 years when it went by the name of Mitsubishi Forte. It sold millions of units in 2010 and is being imported by American citizens almost regularly! The Mitsubishi Triton is referred to as Mighty Max because it is massive and powerful.

9. Isuzu d-Max

This pick up truck by Isuzu is up there with the likes of GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado. It has a number of versions but the one that is made in Thailand is definitely the best. It is known as the Holden Colorado is Australia and Isuzu Rodeo in UK.

10. Ford Courier

The company is selling massive volumes of this model this year. This is mainly because it offers a lot of storage space and the design is easy to work around with. It was first manufactured in 1952 and is popular because apart from being practical, it also looks good.

Top 10 All Time Best Selling Cars

Even though the auto industry is facing problems and struggling all over the world, there are some cars which will never go out of style and are considered to be the best selling of all time.

1. Toyota Corolla

This car has sold 32 million units till date and bags the number one spot on this list. The style is unbeatable, the price is affordable and it is reliable and trustworthy. According to statistics, the company sells this car every 40 seconds. Even though the design has changed consistently over the years, it has remained a favorite among the regulars.

2. Fiat Punto

The car was initially known as “Project 176” and was launched in 1994. It replaced the Fiat Uno and received a number of awards during 1995. It gained instant popularity due to its clean-cut look and gave companies like Volkswagen and Opel a run for their money.

3. VW Golf

This car replaced the above-mentioned Beetle and was also known as the “Rabbit”. The engineering is above-average, the price is low and the car is nothing if not dependable. It has sold 25 million units till date.

4. Volkswagen Beetle

This car is said to be a “People’s Car” and was funded by Hitler very aggressively. Production began in 1938 and ended in 1979. This car was very popular during the post-war period. It was durable, powerful and very comfortable. The Beetle sold 2.3 million units.

5. Ford Escort

The Ford Escort was introduced in 1967 and production was stopped in 2003. This “world car” was visually appealing and low-priced. The car gained immense popularity all over the world fairly fast. The sales were estimated at 20 million units.

6. Honda Civic

This vehicle is often referred to as the “economy car” and has been a best-seller for over 35 years. The price of the car is reasonable, it is comfortable to drive and the best part is that it is fuel efficient. It was introduced in 1972 and has sold 17.7 million units till date.

7. Ford Model T

This car was introduced in 1908 and production was stopped in 1927. The Ford Model T was the most popular card during the 20^th century. This car was produced with the help of the newly introduced assembly line system and was purchased mostly by the middle-class. The Ford Model T has been said to put the United States of America on wheels and has sold 16.5 million units till date.

8. Honda Accord

This car was introduced in 1976 and was extremely popular in the United States during 1982 till 1997. The car is reliable, efficient and of the best quality. Sales are estimated at 15.8 million units till date. The Japanese sure know how to make their automobiles!

9. VW Passat

The VW Passat saved the company after the Beetle’s popularity went down during the later half of the 1960s. This car was introduced in 1973 and is an average-sized car for the family. The company made this car’s engine water-cooled and has sold 14.1 million unit till date.

10. Chevrolet Impala

This car was introduced during the last 1950s and the marketing tag line appealed to the middle-class car owners. It was said that this luxury car had been created especially for them. The Impala was unique as it had 1 extra pair of taillights and a two-door coupe. The sales have been estimated at 14 million till date.