The 5 Oldest Car Brands Still in Business Might Surprise You
There are many legacy car brands still selling on the market today, but which ones were here first? Take a look to find out.
Written by Hannah DeWitt
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Skoda Auto has served the Czech Republic for over 100 years
- Mercedes-Benz was a collaborative effort
- Opel's vehicles are sewn into the fabric of European automotive design
- How did Tatra draw inspiration from its peers?
- Peugeot is the father of the automotive industry
- Affordable car insurance should be just at the tip of your fingers
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There are many
car brands
with a history that stretches back numerous decades, lending to a level of popularity that allows them to do things like double their production during a pandemic
. But, as covered by HotCars
, some brands are still around today that may surprise people with their longevity.And, speaking of longevity, read on to find out why
one auto insurance app
is able to outlast its competition to bring affordable rates to drivers everywhere.Skoda Auto has served the Czech Republic for over 100 years
Laurin & Klement began as a bicycle manufacturer in the Czech Republic in 1895, then moved on to produce the first motorcycles in Central Europe just three years later. By 1905, the company had the capital it needed to break into the automobile market.
Laurin & Klement started with small cars, but by World War I, they were also producing trucks. However, in 1925, Skoda Works, an arms manufacturer, partnered with Laurin & Klement to become Skoda Auto.
Skoda Auto produced small, practical vehicles for Eastern Europe for many decades, until eventually becoming a subsidiary of Volkswagen in the early nineties. Today, Skoda produces cars, trucks, and SUVs, all available for purchase exclusively in Europe.
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Mercedes-Benz was a collaborative effort
In 1883, Carl Benz founded Benz and Co. Rhine Gas Engine Factory in Mannheim, Germany. Around the same time, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach developed a lightweight, high-speed internal combustion engine nicknamed the Grandfather Clock.
Eventually, in 1926, Daimler and Benz would merge their companies, integrating each other's ideas and innovations to create the first Mercedes-Benz branded vehicles at the Berlin Motor Show. From then on, Mercedes-Benz has taken the spirit of innovation and evolution pioneered by its founders to push the limits of style and technology. As a result, their designs have become so revolutionary that it probably wouldn't surprise most drivers if their cars could read minds at this point.
MORE: Mercedes-Benz Plans to Go All-Electric By End of Decade
Opel's vehicles are sewn into the fabric of European automotive design
Adam Opel initially founded Opel in Russelsheim, Hesse, Germany in 1862 as a producer of sewing machines. Within four years, he'd turned production toward high-wheel bicycles, also known as penny-farthings.
In 1898, three years after Opel's passing, his widow Sophie Marie partnered with Friedrich Lutzmann to bring his automobile designs to life. However, they weren't very well received, leading to the dissolution of the partnership. Sophie would then go on to sign a licensing agreement with French manufacturer Automobiles Darracq France to produce vehicles under the brand name Opel Darracq.
Today, Opel is owned by the PSA Group and primarily produces midsize sedans and SUVs. Though all of their plants are located in Europe, with their headquarters still in Germany, Opel's cars are sold worldwide.
How did Tatra draw inspiration from its peers?
Ignaz Schustala started a company that specialized in the production of horse-drawn carriages in 1850. This background would serve the company well when, in 1897, Hugo Fischer von Roslerstamm took over after Schustala passed.
In 1919, the name Tatra was given to the company's range of cars, and by the late 1920s, the company added trucks to its list of products. Today, Tatra no longer makes passenger cars. However, the company still exists, manufacturing all-wheel-drive trucks both for civilians and the military.
Peugeot is the father of the automotive industry
Starting as a steel foundry in 1810, Peugeot is the world's oldest automaker still in operation. The first Peugeot automobile was a steam-powered car produced in 1889, but by the following year, the company had abandoned steam power in favor of a petrol-fueled internal combustion engine. This line of vehicles sold more successfully and would continue to do so for several decades.
In 1975, Peugeot purchased and completely took over French automaker Citroen, eventually becoming the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. The PSA Group produced automobiles under the Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall brands until 2016. After a merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the companies' joint operations became known as Stellantis, and they continue to manufacture award-winning cars to this day.
Affordable car insurance should be just at the tip of your fingers
Many automotive companies have stood the test of time to remain in business. However, no matter how old your car may be, it's vital to ensure that it's properly covered by quality insurance. And that's why you should turn to
Jerry
.A fully-licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work to find the best insurance price by comparing rates from over 50 top companies. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy and switch plans.
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