The motor industry can seem daunting on the surface; dozens of car brands competing for buyers, with hundreds of models available across every segment. From household names like Toyota and Ford to luxury marques like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming.

But behind those familiar badges is a much smaller group of massive companies shaping the direction of the global car market.

Roughly two dozen major automakers control the vast majority of the world’s car brands. Some, like Toyota and BMW, oversee just a few nameplates, while others, like Stellantis, Volkswagen