What is the Oldest Car Manufacturer?

Peugeot holds the distinction of being the oldest car manufacturer globally.

Peugeot's Enduring Legacy

Peugeot is a renowned French automobile brand, currently part of the multinational automotive corporation Stellantis. Its roots stretch back significantly further than many realize. The family business that served as the predecessor to the current Peugeot companies began its operations in 1810, establishing its remarkable lineage as the oldest car company worldwide.

From Family Business to Global Brand

Before its celebrated focus on automobiles, the Peugeot family enterprise produced a diverse range of items, showcasing a long history of industrial activity and innovation. This included the manufacturing of:

• Coffee grinders
• Salt and pepper mills
• Bicycles and velocipedes
• Tools and other hardware

This rich, multi-faceted history underlines the continuous operation of the Peugeot family business, leading directly to the automotive giant it is today.

Why Peugeot is Considered the Oldest

The key factor positioning Peugeot as the oldest car manufacturer lies in the continuous operation of its founding family business since 1810. While other companies might have produced automobiles at an early date, few can trace such an uninterrupted corporate and industrial lineage that significantly predates the automotive era itself. This long-standing establishment date for its family business is what solidifies Peugeot's claim as the oldest continuous car company.

Here's a quick overview:

For more information on Peugeot's extensive history, you can explore their official heritage.