The British automobile industry dates back to the 19th century. By the early 1950s, this country was already considered the second largest producer of transportation in the world, second only to the USA. It exported many cars abroad, which slowed the industry’s development pace, while other states actively increased it after a few decades.
What are British automobile brands?
This is a separate category of automobile brands presented on the world market. They are owned by companies registered in the UK, although recently, they have been bought up by foreign automakers. British brands are Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Landrover, Jaguar, Aston Martin, and many others (but some of them already have foreign owners).
As a result, the UK car industry was far behind and was only 12th in international sales by 2008. Since the 1990s, most British car brands have been bought by foreign companies. For example, Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW, Bentley by Volkswagen, Land Rover by Tata, and Jaguar by Tata. Foreigners also have the right to inactive brands.
Ultra-luxury Car Brands
Ultra-luxury cars are in high demand in the cooler latitudes of the UK as they give a feeling of warmth, comfort, and confidence. And who, if not the prim English, would want to combine technology with luxury? After all, they succeeded in this. Take, for example, the famous Bentley and Rolls-Royce – this is perfection itself, encased in metal armor. A real exclusive!
Bentley
About: Bentley Logo
The brand appeared in 1919 and went through a difficult formation process despite being in the luxury segment of the automobile market. The company focused on sports cars. Not without reason, all the famous racing car models are considered “descendants” of Speed Six and 4½ Liter produced by Bentley. Currently, the brand belongs to the Volkswagen concern.
Rolls-Royce
About: Rolls-Royce Logo
It is a British luxury passenger car manufacturer wholly owned by the German company BMW. Previously, Rolls-Royce was associated with Bentley. Although they belonged to the same concern, they ended up with different buyers, retaining emblems and other signs of visual identification.
Lagonda
The Lagonda automaker came into existence in 1906, and 12 months later, it introduced its first car. And it became an instant winner, winning the 1910 Moscow-St. Petersburg race. This success caused an unprecedented demand for cars in Russia. The boom did not subside until 1914.
Luxury Car Brands
Luxury cars are especially valued in England, where luxury is not a way of life but super comfort. Engineers embodied this idea in the luxury passenger cars Land Rover, Mini, and Jaguar, representing this class.
Landrover
About: Landrover Logo
The brand originated in 1948 as a division of Jaguar Land Rover and is owned by India’s Tata Motors. It produces SUVs, specialty cars, and four-wheel drive vehicles. King George VI awarded The manufacturer a Royal Warrant in 1951 and 2001. – Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
Jaguar
About: Jaguar Logo
This company has undergone a major transformation, reflected in its product range. It originated as a Swallow Sidecar and specialized in producing sidecars and car bodies. The company then became known as Jaguar Cars, switching to the production of passenger cars. On Tata Motors’ initiative, it was renamed Jaguar Land Rover Limited (in January 2013). All this strengthened its position, and Elizabeth II and Prince Charles repeatedly awarded the brand’s products the highest royal honors.
Mini
About: Mini Logo
Starting as a series of cars from the Rover Group, the brand developed into an independent company, and the line became its official name. Since 1994, the company has been owned by BMW of Germany and has been producing miniature luxury cars.
Sports Car Brands
The production of sports cars is the most numerous section of the British industry because the British love luxury and speed. They have successfully combined all these. A vivid example is the cars of McLaren, Aston Martin, Lister, Arash, and many others.
Aston Martin
About: Aston Martin Logo
The iconic British sports car brand was founded in 1913. In 1947, it changed ownership and became associated with the legendary James Bond, as its DB5 model appeared in one of the episodes of the superhero epic. Today, Aston Martin cars are a symbol of British culture and one of the fastest cars in the world.
McLaren
About: McLaren Logo
This British automaker specializes only in sports cars, as its founder is Formula One racer Bruce McLaren. Today, automakers have industrial sites and technology centers for developing and testing their vehicles. The company’s lineup is divided into three main categories: Ultimate, Super, and Sports.
Lotus
About: Lotus Logo
This brand’s cars have won Formula 1 seven times because they are light and maneuverable. After founder Colin Chapman’s death, the company changed hands several times until it ended up with the Chinese corporation Geely, which makes cars.
Morgan
Morgan has a very long history, starting in 1910. As of 2019, it is owned by Italians, the Investindustrial investment group. The factory assembles racing and rally cars by hand, producing about 850 units annually. Therefore, there is always a long waiting list for these cars, stretching from several months to several years. The brand also has its zest—there are always wood elements in the body.
Noble
The British sports car manufacturer is a private company with few employees. It was founded in 1999 in Leeds and is now based in Leicester.
Arash
About: Arash Logo
The founder of the privately owned company is Arash Farboud. It was initially called Farboud Limited but was later renamed after the founder. The company began developing its first sports car, the Farboud GT, in 1999 and unveiled it in 2001.
Ascari
The company was founded in 1995 and ceased to exist in 2010. It is named after Alberto Ascari, the first two-time winner of the World Drivers Championship.
TVR
British sports car manufacturer founded in 1946 as TVR Motors Company Limited. The base market for car deliveries is Europe. They are mainly lightweight sports cars with powerful engines (coupes and convertibles).
Ginetta
A privately owned company producing sports and racing cars. It was founded in 1958 by four Walklett brothers in Garforth, West Yorkshire.
Lister
Launched in 1954, this car brand is known for its original Lister-Bristol and Lister Storm sports cars. Racing driver Brian Lister founded the company.
Zenos
The young automaker has been in business since 2012 and is focused on producing just one model, the Zenos E10, in three variants. It develops, assembles, and sells them.
AC
This is a privately owned automobile manufacturer founded in 1901. Due to lack of funds, it has repeatedly changed owners, disappeared, and revived under different names. The company is currently headquartered in Thames Ditton, Surrey County, UK.
Atalanta
The car brand, which existed in 2011, is a relaunch of the 1930s company of the same name. It ceased production of passenger cars during World War II, producing only 21 units.
BAC
The full name of this sports car manufacturer is Briggs Automotive Company. It is based in Liverpool and was founded by brothers Neil and Ian Briggs. The first car appeared two years later under the name Mono.
Suffolk
The firm is located near Woodbridge. It was engaged in producing copies of Jaguar’s retro models. The company is closed due to a lawsuit by Jaguar Land Rover, which owes £850k.
Ronart
Designer and manufacturer of unique race cars produced in limited numbers to order. His arsenal ranges from sports cars for tracks to fast cars for road driving. The brand was founded in 1984.
Ultima
Hinckley-based British brand Ultima Sports Ltd produces the Ultima GTR, a lightweight sports car in a two-door coupe. It offers both a complete package and assembly to order.
Gardner Douglas
This is a subcompact sports car brand based in Grantham, England. It produces replicas of the Lola T70 and AC Cobra models.
Brooke
Brooke Kensington is a car manufacturer headquartered in Devon. In 2002, it acquired the rights to the company.
Marlin
The company was founded by Paul Moorhouse, who first produced cars for personal use and then put them into mass production. The first sales took place in 1979.
Roadsters
The British are romantic and like to ride with the wind, so roadsters are in great demand. Many companies produce two-seater cars with retractable roofs. Among them are Caterham, MEV, Elva.
Elemental
This company was opened specifically to develop and produce the RP1 sports car. It is located in Hambledon (UK) and is part of Elemental Group Ltd’s namesake structure.
Caparo
Caparo Vehicle Technologies, founded as Freestream, was a specialized automotive development company. The company produced its own sports car, the T1, which was liquidated in 2019.
Caterham
About: Caterham logo
The brand was founded in 1973 based on the Caterham Seven (or 7) sports car. Its headquarters are in Crawley, Sussex, United Kingdom.
Westfield
A British company founded in 1982 produces both factory and customized roadsters. It specializes in Lotus Seven cars.
Elva
The name of this car brand comes from the French phrase “Elle va,” which means “she drives.” The company’s lineup includes two-seat sports and racing cars.
MEV
The brand’s abbreviation comes from Mills Extreme Vehicles in Mansfield (UK). Founded in 2003, the company produces Replica and Exocet cars.
MK
This manufacturer initially made suspensions and parts for Locost chassis and then created its roadster (in 2000), which received the name Indy.
Other Brands
Another category of British car brands includes limited edition, special purpose, and locally distributed models. It also includes small or failed manufacturers that have become part of other companies.
Vauxhall
About: Vauxhall logo
The company was founded in 1857. Currently, it belongs to the transnational corporation Stellantis. This brand produces mass-market cars identical to Opel models but distributed only in the domestic market.
MG
About: MG logo
It is a manufacturer of small cars. After a series of mergers and acquisitions, it came under the control of Nanjing Automobile Group, which merged with SAIC in 2008. The MG automobile brand was founded in 1924.
Ariel
Founded in 1870, the company served as the base for this small automaker. In 2001, it was reopened in Crookern, where it produced the Ariel Atom passenger cars.
David Brown
This brand represents limited edition cars. The company is based in Silverstone and is owned by businessman David Brown, who gave it his name.
Keating
The Manchester-based car company debuted with the TKR supercar in 2006 and currently designs four cars.
LEVC
This British company is a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Geely. It is an engineering service headquartered in Coventry. In England, the brand is also known for its black cabs.
Grinnall
The company started with classic cars but switched to tricycles—three-wheeled vehicles—after a year. The first model appeared in 1991, which is considered the time of the foundation of this brand.
Prodrive
In 1984, entrepreneur David Richards opened a factory in Banbury to produce racing cars. Today, based on advanced technology, he designs, assembles, and tests cars for such famous companies as Volkswagen, Mini, and Aston Martin.
Radical
This race car manufacturer and developer was founded in 1997 by two automotive engineers, Mick Hyde and Phil Abbott. They aimed to create high-speed cars for driving on both regular roads and sports tracks. The brand’s most stellar model is the SR3.
Bowler
The company, which has existed since 1985, offers racing-class SUVs. It manufactures them based on the Range Rover and Land Rover Defender chassis. The company is headquartered in Belper, UK.
JBA Motors
The brand specializes in luxury cars and has produced them in Norwich since 1982. The abbreviation in the name consists of the first letters of the surnames of the company’s founders: Jones, Barlow, and Ashley.
Axon
This is a young manufacturer of miniature cars, which has been on the market since 2005. The company’s head office is located in Wellingborough.
Bristol
This brand’s first luxury car appeared in 1945. Kamkorp owns it, which was acquired in 2011 and restored the production of handmade luxury cars.
Daimler
Defunct car brands
The British car industry is self-contained with common survival, decline, prosperity, and development laws. Therefore, as in the automotive industry of any country in the world, some advanced manufacturers endured the season, and some did not withstand the onslaught of external or internal circumstances. As a result, a distinct group of companies has ceased to exist for one reason or another. These include Rover (in operation until 2005), Marcos and ERF (discontinued in 2007), and Eterniti (ceased to exist in 2014).
Eterniti
Eterniti Motors existed for only four years and managed to introduce only one car, the Hemera, which later became Artemis. It was a super SUV with a beverage cooler, sheep’s wool mats, and a transparent roof. In terms of appearance and technical features, they were borrowed from the Porsche Cayenne. Engineers modified the famous model, developing their version of the luxury car. The logo reminded me of luxury: the calligraphic letter “E” with curls was complemented by a thin and elegant inscription “ETERNITI” and was traditionally located inside the coat of arms. The horizontal striped pattern resembled a wing, hinting at great speed. The company left the market in early 2014.
ERF
The automobile manufacturer ERF was founded in 1933. It was named in honor of Edwin Richard Foden, who was forced to leave his previous job due to disagreements with the board of directors of Foden Trucks. The fact is that Edwin wanted to create trucks with a diesel engine, and his colleagues were against it. He retired to realize his project independently and succeeded: ERF trucks became famous in Great Britain and abroad. However, the company was in many ways inferior to its competitors. It bought all components from suppliers and could not boast high sales volumes. Before its closure, the ERF brand changed hands until it was in the hands of MAN. The new owner first changed the model range and then abandoned the old brand and its logo – the red inscription “ERF” separated by two diagonal lines of the same color.
Marcos
The automaker Marcos Engineering presented its first sports car in 1960. The novelty looked unusual, but the developers simplified the car’s appearance by the beginning of production, adhering to the accepted standards. The company constantly moved and changed plants, negatively affecting its financial condition. Several times, it went bankrupt, but it was saved from bankruptcy. The last time this happened was in the early 2000s when an American businessman resumed production. In 2007, the company was liquidated anyway. At the same time, the last cars with the Marcos logo were released: an oval nameplate containing the brand name was decorated with a shaped silver frame.
Foden
Foden’s predecessor company was Plant & Hancock, a farm machinery firm. In 1887, it was renamed in honor of the new owner, Edwin Foden. The company produced steam trucks for a long time, then switched to diesel engines. Managers planned to build another plant, as the truck demand was great. However, in the 1970s, the passenger car market declined, which led to financial difficulties. After another ten years, the American concern PACCAR bought the company. It replaced the original cars with DAF models and stopped production of Foden trucks to increase the number of DAF products. At the same time, the black and white diamond-shaped logo with a wide frame and handwritten word “Foden” was discontinued.
Rover
The Rover company appeared in the nineteenth century. It produced bicycles and motorcycles and then entered the automobile business. In the post-war period, its products began to be exported to other countries. For example, the Rover P4 model was recognized as the leader of the European automobile industry. Subsequently, the range changed several times as the company changed hands: among its owners at different times were BMW, Phoenix Consortium Holding, Ford, and Indian automaker Tata Motors. The disappearance of Rover is a credit to Ford. When the bankruptcy of the brand became obvious, the representative of the “big three” tried to get rid of it as soon as possible. The name and emblem (black trapezoid with the sign ROVER and abstract geometric figures) belong to Tata Motors.
Morris
Morris Motors Limited was very successful in its early years. By 1924, it had captured over 50% of the British car market, overtaking Ford. The production of models under the Morris brand was discontinued in the mid-1980s. SAIC Motor Corporation Limited currently owns the brand. The original logo of the now-defunct company echoes the coat of arms of the city of Oxford, where the founder of the company, William Morris, was born and lived. The emblem shows a silver-blue circle with a red bull crossing the River Isis.
Triumph
Triumph’s logo was as promising as its name. It contained an image of a laurel wreath, the symbol of winners. Despite its high ambitions, the company went bankrupt in 1984. Assembly of the first Triumph cars began in 1889. The model range was constantly expanding, but due to financial problems, the manufacturer was forced to get rid of unpopular cars. As a result, there was only Triumph Acclaim based on Honda Ballade. After that, its production stopped. Since 1994, all rights to the brand belong to BMW.
Jensen
Jensen Motors Limited was formed in 1934 when bodybuilder WJ Smith & Sons Limited undertook a global rebranding. The Jensen portfolio included commercial and sports cars, including light trucks, buses, pickup trucks, vans, and luxury sedans. Cars of this brand disappeared from the market in 1976 but returned 22 years later. They kept the original round logo with gold-colored inscriptions “JENSEN,” “JENSEN MOTORS LTD,” and “WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND.” The company was finally disbanded in 2011.
Singer
Singer Motors had a period in its history when it produced only bicycles. Automobiles did not appear until 1901. These were commercial three-wheeled vehicles for milkers and tradesmen. As for the first four-wheeled model, it appeared in 1905. Until 1912, an emblem depicting the bold letter “S” on a bicycle wheel was painted on the radiators. Then, it was removed. In the 1950s, the company ran into financial problems and was absorbed by another automaker, the Rootes Group. The Singer brand disappeared in 1970 as Rootes went into decline.
Riley
1902 the Riley brothers founded the Riley Engine Company to manufacture motorcycles and four-wheelers. After rebranding in 1912, the company became Riley (Coventry) Limited, as the owners decided to move into a new, more profitable area of business – the manufacture of spoke wheels. But the brothers were back in the car manufacturing business within a year. The company grew rapidly, expanding its lineup with limousines, sports cars, sedans, and coupes. It was liquidated after a series of mergers as the owners deemed it unviable. Despite this, the surviving cars of the British brand are considered cult classics, as is its emblem – the handwritten inscription “Riley” in a blue diamond with a silver border.
Leyland
Leyland Motors, disbanded in 1968, became part of the national business of British Motor Holdings. After the merger, the new entity became British Leyland Motor Corporation. When still independent, Leyland manufactured buses and cars. One of its logos was a blue ring with bridges that converged to the center, forming a circle. Inside it was a capital letter “L” written in bold italics.
Alvis
Alvis, a privately owned automobile manufacturing company, was founded in 1919 to produce scooters, carburetors, and engines. It had to change its logo after the Avro airplane company complained about copyright infringement. Thus, the famous badge appeared as an inverted red triangle with the stylized inscription “ALVIS.” The company produced civilian cars until 1967. Then, the trademark belonged to the military division of British Leyland, and its emblem decorated armored vehicles.
Berkeley
Berkeley is a joint venture between trailer manufacturer Berkeley Coachworks and British engineer Lawrence Bond. The result of their collaboration was a sports microcar produced from 1956 to 1960. It became known as a budget, safe, and fragile car designed for racing. Its emblem was a large letter “B” with a red-gray circle enclosed in a ring with the inscription “BERKELEY” and five stars. In 1960, demand for motorhomes plummeted, and Berkeley Coachworks went bankrupt.
Austin
Austin is a brand of automobile manufactured by the Austin Motor Company in the first half of the 20th century. The first model was built in 1905 at the home of engineer Herbert Austin. He started his automobile business, focusing on the prestige class. Among his customers were Spanish officials, bishops of the Vatican, and Russian princes. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include trucks and commercial vehicles. The company disappeared in 1952 after a merger with Morris Motors. In their place appeared the British Motor Corporation holding. Accordingly, the brand name and logo with the handwritten inscription “Austin” in silver went out of use completely.
Hillman
Until 1910, the Hillman company was known as Hillman-Coatalen. It produced racing cars, but after rebranding, decided to change course and began producing six-cylinder models for city roads. Its cars were decorated with a red diamond-shaped badge, complemented by two white wings and the inscription “HILLMAN.” In 1931, the company was merged with Humber Limited.
FAQ
What British car brands no longer exist?
Many British car brands that were once successful no longer exist. Poor management and financial problems led to their demise.
- Austin: Founded by Herbert Austin, it produced affordable and practical cars. In 1952, Austin merged with Morris Motors to form British Motor Corporation (BMC), later becoming part of British Leyland, which led to its downfall.
- Morris Motors: Founded by William Morris, it became popular with models like the Morris Minor and Morris Oxford. After merging with Austin to create BMC, Morris continued to operate under British Leyland.
- Rover: The company started as a bicycle manufacturer and moved into automobile production in 1904. Known for high-quality, innovative cars like the Land Rover, Rover joined British Leyland and struggled to remain competitive.
- Riley: Produced stylish, well-engineered cars. It was absorbed by BMC in 1952 and later became part of British Leyland.
- Triumph: It began as a bicycle company and later produced motorcycles and cars. After joining British Leyland, Triumph faced quality control and financial problems.
- Wolseley: Known for producing luxury cars, it joined BMC and later British Leyland.
- Alvis: Known for its engineering prowess and stylish design, Rover acquired it and made it part of British Leyland.
These brands represent a significant part of British automotive history, but financial difficulties and management issues led to their eventual disappearance.
How many cars are registered in the UK?
There are 33.58 million cars registered in the United Kingdom, accounting for 81.3% of all vehicles on the road.
There are:
- There are 4.73 million light goods vehicles (LGVs), or 11.4% of the total. These vehicles deliver and transport goods within cities and towns.
- Fifty-four million heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), or 1.3%. They transport large volumes of cargo over long distances.
- Forty-seven million motorcycles, or 3.6%. They are popular for both recreation and efficient urban transport.
- Fourteen million buses, or 0.3%. These vehicles are vital to public transport and serve many passengers daily.
- Eighty-six million other vehicles exist, representing 2.1% of the market. This category includes vehicles such as agricultural machinery and construction equipment.
A total of 41.32 million vehicles are registered in the UK, covering a variety of transport needs.
What cars are made by the British?
The British car industry still produces many vehicles, from everyday cars to ultra-luxury models. Both British and foreign brands manufacture cars in the UK.
- Mini: Known for its compact and stylish cars, Mini produces models in Oxford, including the Mini Cooper, Clubman, and Countryman.
- Rolls-Royce: Renowned for its luxury and craftsmanship, Rolls-Royce manufactures its cars in Goodwood, West Sussex. This plant produces models such as the Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, and Cullinan.
- Bentley: Another luxury brand, Bentley, produces cars in Crewe, Cheshire. Models such as the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga are produced here.
- Aston Martin: Known for its sleek sports cars, Aston Martin produces cars in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and St Athan, Wales.
- Jaguar Land Rover (JLR): Produces a range of luxury and high-performance vehicles. Jaguar models such as the XE, XF, and F-Pace are manufactured in Castle Bromwich and Solihull. Land Rover produces SUVs such as the Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender in Solihull and Halewood.
- Lotus: Known for its lightweight sports cars, Lotus produces models such as the Elise, Exige, and Evora in Hethel, Norfolk.
- McLaren: Known for its high-performance supercars, McLaren produces cars in Woking, Surrey.
Several foreign companies manufacture cars in the UK. Honda makes the Civic in Swindon, Toyota makes the Corolla in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and Nissan makes models like the Qashqai, Juke, and LEAF in Sunderland. These factories attract international investment into the British automotive industry, create jobs, and contribute to the economy.
What is the best English car brand?
Based in Warwickshire, Aston Martin Lagonda is considered the finest brand in the English car industry. This ultra-luxury car manufacturer is known for producing some of the world’s most desirable and high-performance cars.
Aston Martin’s current lineup includes models such as the Vantage, DB11, and DBS Superleggera. The Vantage is known for its agility and performance, the DB11 offers a combination of performance and luxury, and the DBS Superleggera stands out with its power and striking appearance.
The brand’s success comes from its cars, image, and heritage. Each vehicle is hand-built at their Gaydon headquarters to ensure high quality and attention to detail. Aston Martin has a rich racing heritage, including victories at Le Mans and participation in Formula 1. This racing experience enhances the appeal of its road cars, attracting enthusiasts who value luxury and speed.
What is the most British car?
The original Mini is considered the most British car ever made. It became a British pop culture icon and hugely impacted the UK car scene. The Mini quickly gained popularity due to its maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and unique appearance. The car appeared in many films and TV shows, with one of its most famous appearances being the 1969 film “The Italian Job,” where a trio of Minis performed daring stunts on the streets of Turin.
The Mini was available in various models and special editions throughout its production. Notable versions include the Mini Cooper and Cooper S, developed with racing car designer John Cooper. These sportier models achieved great success in motorsport, winning several prestigious races, including the Monte Carlo Rally.
The Mini brand has undergone several changes of ownership. In 1994, it was acquired by the German company BMW AG. BMW revived the Mini in 2001 with a modern version that retained the charm and character of the original but added new technology and safety features. The new Mini was a commercial success and is still in production today.
What are the best car brands in the UK?
The UK’s top car brands are renowned for their luxury, performance, and heritage. These brands offer various cars, from ultra-luxury to high-performance and practical vehicles.
- Bentley is known for its ultra-luxury cars that combine modern technology and classic craftsmanship.
- Rolls-Royce is another leading brand synonymous with wealth and sophistication. The company produces some of the most prestigious cars in the world, including the Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, and Cullinan.
- As part of Aston Martin, Lagonda represents the pinnacle of luxury and advanced technology. The brand specializes in creating cars that offer exceptional comfort and performance.
- Land Rover is a leading brand in the luxury SUV market, known for its reliability and versatility.
- Jaguar is known for its stylish and high-performance cars. Models like the Jaguar XE, XF, and F-Pace combine sleek design and powerful engines to offer an exciting driving experience.
- Mini started as a manufacturer of small, affordable cars but has evolved into a brand that combines practicality, style, and fun.
These brands represent the best of British motoring, each offering something unique.
