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Our list of the largest vehicle manufacturers in Germany provides you with comprehensive insights into the highest-revenue players in the German vehicle manufacturing industry. In addition to current revenue and employee figures, you will also find valuable information on industry focus, managing directors, and contact details. The data is conveniently available as an Excel file for direct download.
Brief Summary
Short answer: The largest German vehicle manufacturer is Volkswagen AG. With revenue of €322,284 million in fiscal year 2023, the company is far ahead of competitors such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The basis is the exclusive Researchgermany data, based on the latest 2023 annual reports, as of September 2025.
Volkswagen AG: Clear Market Leader
Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, is not only the largest automotive group in Germany but also one of the largest worldwide. Revenue of more than €322 billion in 2023 shows the enormous scale of the group. With brands such as VW, Audi, Porsche, Skoda, Seat, and many more, Volkswagen has a broad portfolio ranging from small cars to premium vehicles as well as commercial vehicles.
Volkswagen employed nearly 679,000 people in 2023. This makes the group not only an economic heavyweight but also one of Germany’s largest employers. Its innovative strength in electromobility and its strategic transformation toward sustainable mobility secure Volkswagen’s long-term leading position.
BMW and Mercedes-Benz: Strong Challengers
BMW AG generated revenue of €155,498 million in 2023, while Mercedes-Benz AG reached €153,218 million. The two traditional companies are almost on par and form the direct chasing group behind Volkswagen. BMW scores with its premium orientation, which includes passenger cars and motorcycles, while Mercedes-Benz is strongly represented internationally with its cars and buses.
AUDI and TRATON: Key Industry Pillars
AUDI AG, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, achieved revenue of nearly €70 billion in 2023. AUDI is considered an innovation driver in design, technology, and premium vehicles. TRATON SE, specializing in trucks and buses (including the MAN and Scania brands), generated around €46.9 billion in revenue in 2023. It highlights the diversity of the German automotive industry, which is not only shaped by passenger cars.
Ranking of the Largest German Vehicle Manufacturers 2023
The following table is based on the exclusive Researchgermany list of the largest vehicle manufacturers in Germany. The basis is the 2023 annual reports, which, as of September 2025, represent the most recent data in the German company register.
| Ranking | Company | Revenue 2023 (€m) | Revenue 2022 (€m) | Employees 2023 | Headquarters | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen AG | 322,284 | 279,050 | 678,825 | Wolfsburg | Passenger cars, commercial vehicles |
| 2 | BMW AG | 155,498 | 142,610 | 154,950 | Munich | Passenger cars, motorcycles |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz AG | 153,218 | 150,017 | 168,336 | Stuttgart | Passenger cars, buses |
| 4 | AUDI AG | 69,865 | 61,753 | 87,736 | Ingolstadt | Passenger cars |
| 5 | TRATON SE | 46,872 | 40,335 | 105,674 | Munich | Trucks, buses |
Image source: Chris Osmond, 09.09.2025
Last Updated on 4 months ago
