* Different levels of involvement: Some companies are solely manufacturers (like Tesla), while others assemble vehicles using components from other companies (like some Chinese brands).
* Ownership and mergers: Many companies are subsidiaries or divisions of larger corporations, making it hard to distinguish independent entities.
* Emerging markets: New car companies are constantly emerging, especially in developing countries.
However, we can provide some figures:
* Major car manufacturers: There are around 30 major car manufacturers worldwide that produce vehicles in large volumes and have global presence.
* Total car companies: If you count all car companies, including smaller manufacturers, niche brands, and companies that focus on specific vehicle types, the number could be in the hundreds or even thousands.
It's best to focus on specific categories or regions when researching car companies. For example, you could look at the top 10 car manufacturers by sales in a specific country or region.
