We know the names of our favorite luxury car brands, but do you know who owns them? There are several big-name companies who produce the basic models the average person enjoys, and then they created an entirely new brand for their pet projects. These cars are not only comfortable, but many of them contain quite a bit of speed under their hoods.
We have identified different popular automakers and the luxury brands that their company owns and operates. A few of these might surprise you or change your view on some of your least favorite brands. Keep reading to learn about the luxury car brands that are owned by ten different automakers.
10 Honda (Acura)
Honda is the owner of Acura, and it was their way to chase their dreams of creating a luxury car. This idea began back in 1986 with a series of secret meetings to keep it out of the public eye, and away from the ears of other big companies as they created the platform for this luxury contender.
This brand created iconic cars like the NSX, the Integra, and the Legend that brought the racetrack to consumer's doorsteps. They created the first three-row crossover that sparked a revolution in the car industry, and more recently they created a supercar factory in Ohio.
9 Nissan (Infiniti)
You might not associate Infiniti with Nissan, but the truth is that they are their luxury brand. This started out about thirty years ago when an elite division within Nissan decided to spread their wings and focus on luxury vehicles. They came out with two models, but their advancements within the auto industry are what set them apart from the rest.
They created the VQ engine, as well as a special club that is only available to owners of their vehicles. Nissan did the right thing when they chose to create this amazing company with an outstanding lineup of luxury vehicles.
8 Toyota (Lexus)
Lexus has been another heavy hitter in the luxury game for some time, and their ownership lies with that of Toyota. They released their first vehicles back in 1989, and people ate them up due to their marketing strategy. Lexus chose to focus its efforts on personalized service and the public loved the idea.
It managed to beat out its competitors within three years and over time has managed to upgrade its vehicles with new technology and features not available anywhere else. This year they sold their ten millionth vehicle, so rest assured this brand is not going anywhere.
7 Hyundai (Genesis)
Genesis is a newer luxury car brand that came about because Hyundai decided it was time they start their own individualized luxury line. The original Genesis came to be in 2008, but it wasn't its own brand until 2017. It is still gaining traction in the luxury world as it claws forward one step at a time, but that is not to say they are unpopular.
They started with just five employees and now have grown to over three hundred. This company plans to release a fully-electric model in the near future and we can't wait to see where they go from here.
6 Volkswagen (Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Lamborghini)
Volkswagen takes the cake, as they own five different recognizable luxury brands. They have everything from affordable luxury to vehicles that will have a consumer mortgaging their house in order to make the payments.
It's obvious they understand the importance of creating vehicles for those who admire class, and we are certain they will add more to their repertoire in the future. Volkswagen might have acquired Audi first, but the other companies they have acquired have been nothing but a blessing as they all share technology to create better vehicles.
5 Mazda (Amati)
Mazda does not have its own luxury car brand, but it almost did back in 1991 when luxury cars had begun to take flight. Their proposed car was going to have a twelve-cylinder engine in the form a luxury sedan and the company it would be released under was supposed to be called Amati.
This car was featured in an article, but other than that it's a ghost. They never made a prototype and Mazda never mentions it on their website. It is almost like it never existed and Mazda likes to keep us all in the dark by refusing to acknowledge the idea was ever real in the first place.
4 General Motors (Buick, Cadillac)
General Motors owns Cadillac and Buick, and the luxury is overflowing from the vehicles they create. They acquired Cadillac way back in 1909 shortly after the company came to be and have stuck with it ever since. This company is innovative and it is seen in their fancy Escalade and XT4.
The Buick has an even longer history, as its founder created the first of its kind back in 1899. General Motors bought this company in 1908 and the luxury has only grown since its debut. This company is well known in the States as people crave the Encore and Enclave for their superior quality.
3 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Alfa Romeo, Maserati)
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is responsible for the production of the famous Alfa Romeo and Maserati car brands. Alfa Romeo began back in 1906, but Fiat Chrysler Automobiles did not officially become a subsidiary until 2007, and after a long hiatus they are selling in the States once again. They plan to create an autonomous electric supercar that will put their cars back on the map.
Maserati was formed a bit later in 1914, but that doesn't make them any less notable. FCA acquired the company in 1993 and have made it into a recognizable name after its initial failure. A few of their more notable successes are the Gran Turismo and the Levante, and we are excited to see what they release next.
2 Ford (Lincoln, Volvo)
Ford is the proud owner of Lincoln and Volvo, two companies that are highly regarded in the world of luxury vehicles. The Lincoln shares a history with Cadillac, as this company was originally created by its owner. Ford acquired this brand in 1922 after the financial crisis bankrupted them, and we couldn't be happier. The purchase of Volvo put quite a damper on Ford's bank account as they paid a grand total of $6.45 billion for it.
1 BMW Group (Rolls-Royce, BMW)
BMW-Group is obviously the owner of their own BMW luxury brand, but they also own Rolls-Royce as well. Rolls-Royce was a luxury car brand from the start, after its first release in 1907 was deemed "The Best Car in the World." They understood the importance of comfort and reliability, which is why this brand has lasted for so long. This brand has only gone up since BMW acquired it in 1998 and the world is a better place because of it.