Most popular car brands by ownership share Germany 2021-2023

Volkswagen was the most popular car brand in Germany thus far in 2023, followed by Mercedes-Benz and Opel. All three car brands originated in Germany and are among the names responsible for making the German automotive industry a global success. The graph at hand is based on a survey conducted in Germany.

The people’s car

Volkswagen, while remaining the most owned car brand in Germany, has been plagued by scandals in recent years. The so-called ‘Dieselgate' is perhaps the best-known. It goes back to 2015, when the company’s diesel emission test cheating was uncovered – software had been installed in VW vehicles to manipulate results to Volkswagen’s advantage. Compensation payment settlements are still being reached in other countries in addition to Germany. All the same, VW is still beating other car brands across the board by various metrics, whether in terms of new passenger car registrations or the number of electric cars produced.

A driving force

The automotive industry is one of Germany’s long-term industrial and economic strongholds, but both the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are hitting hard. Brands and consumers alike face uncertain times. The average price for a new car has been increasing annually in recent years. Competition from China is also putting additional strain on an industry already under pressure.