TOP 10 CAR COMPANIES OF THE WORLD 2013

1. Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese car manufacturer founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda. It serves automobiles worldwide and employs more than 300K people around the world. Its headquarters are located in Toyota, Aichi, a city of Japan.

The company is world’s third largest car company. Toyota is the world’s eleventh largest company by revenue with its revenue being ¥18.5 trillion. It has manufactured hundreds of models of hybrid, sports, classic, electric, SUVs and luxury cars.

2. General Motors

General Motors

General Motors is the second best car company in the world. It was founded in 1908 by William C. Durant. GM is the world’s second largest automobile company by global sales. It is headquartered in Detroit, United States and employs over 200K employs. The company serve in more than 150 countries.

3. Honda

Honda Motor Company, Ltd

Honda is one of the world’s most famous automotive companies . It is the largest motorcycle manufacturer and seventh largest car manufacturing company in the world. Honda is a Japanese multinational company. It produce many products including automobile, motorcycle, jet engines, generator, jet aircraft and robotics. The title of the world’s largest internal combustion engine manufacturer also goes to Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

4. BMW

Bavarian Motor Works(Bayerische Motoren Werke AG)

BMW is one of the most famous and best car company in the world. It was founded in 1916 by Franz Joseph and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. It is famous for its sports and luxury cars. BMW also owns Mini and Rolls Royce, and it produce motorcycles as BMW Motorrad. Some famous products of BMW are BMW S1000RR, V12 LMR, M6 Coupe and Concept Gran Coupé .

BMW was established as a business entity following a restructuring of the Rapp Motorenwerke aircraft manufacturing firm in 1917. After the end of World War I in 1918, BMW was forced to cease aircraft engine production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty. The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923, once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted, followed by automobiles in 1928–29.

The first car which BMW successfully produced and the car which launched BMW on the road to automobile production was the Dixi, it was based on the Austin 7 and licensed from the Austin Motor Company in Birmingham, England.

5. Nissan

Nissan Motor Company, Ltd

Nissan ranked 5th on our list of top 10 best car companies of the world. It is a Japanese automobile manufacturer, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and was founded in 1933. It serve worldwide, sells and produce automobiles. Nissan is sixth largest car manufacturer in the world. Nissan GTR and Nissan Skyline are two most liked cars manufactured by Nissan.

6. Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Company

Chung Ju-Yung founded the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company in 1947. Hyundai Motor Company was later established in 1967. It is the second largest auto-manufacturer in Asia and the fourth largest automaker in the world after Toyota, GM and Volkswagen. Its produce and sells automobiles, engines and commercial vehicle worldwide.

7. Suzuki

Suzuki Motor Corporation

Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Minami-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan, which specializes in manufacturing automobiles, 4x4 vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines. It is the ninth largest automobile-maker in the world by production.In 2011, Suzuki was the tenth biggest automaker by production worldwide. Suzuki employs over 45,000 and has 35 main production facilities in 23 countries and 133 distributors in 192 countries. According to statistics from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), Suzuki is Japan's second-largest manufacturer of small cars and trucks.

It is famous for its fuel-efficiency and economy-priced cars.

8. Ford

Ford Motor Company

Ford is 8th best car company in the world. It was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Its headquarters are in Dearborn, America. It is the first American automotive company featured in this top 10 list. Ford Motor Company sells a broad range of automobiles under the Ford marque worldwide, and it sells luxury cars under Lincoln and Aston Martin brand.

9. Mercedes

Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz is the oldest automotive company in the world. It was founded in 1886 by Karl Benz. Mercedes-Benz is famous for its elegant luxury cars. It is a German company which serve all around the globe and sells automobile, buses, coaches and internal combustion engines. Some famous car models of Mercedes-Benz are E-Class, M-Class and GL-Class Mercedes-Benz. It produces sports, 4-door and luxury Coupé and sedan and MPVs.

10. Audi

AUDI (Aktiengesellschaft)

Audi has been a majority owned (99.55%) subsidiary of Volkswagen Group since 1966, following a phased purchase of AUDI AG's predecessor, Auto Union, from Daimler-Benz.

Headquartered in Zwickau, Audi is a German car distribution and manufacturing company founded by August Horch. It is the 10th best car company and is one of the most established automobile companies. It produces sports and luxury cars with extreme elegance.

Audi A6 was named the most luxurious car,and it is fuel-efficient, reliable and affordable luxury car. Audi’s most liked and appreciated cars are Audi R8, Audi A6 and Audi Q7. Audi A8 sedan Q7 was sold for $14 million which made it one of the most expensive cars.

World's Fastest Cars:

1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: 267 mph (429 km/h), 0-60 in 2.4 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle 8 Liter W16 Engine with 1200 hp, base price is $2,400,000. Although the Bugatti Veyron lost the title to SSC Ultimate Aero on March 2007, Bugatti challenge the record in Germany on July 10, 2010 with the new 2010 Super Sport Version and the Veyron once again claims the title of the fastest car in the world at 267 mph. The original Bugatti Veyron has a top speed of 253 mph, priced at $1,700,000 and equipped with 1001 hp.

#2 is a tie at 260 mph!
2. Hennessey Venom GT: 260 mph (418 km/h), 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, has a 6.2-liter LS9 Turbocharged V8 Twin Turbo V8 Engine producing 1200 hp, has a price tag of $950,000. The Venom GT has yet to be tested and proven, but could possibly hit a top speed of 275 mph. This might just be the Veyron Super Sport's closest competitor!

2. Koenigsegg Agera R: 260 mph (418 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. 5.0-liter V8 Engine with twin turbo’s, housing 1099 hp. Base price is $1,600,000. If you're into snow sports, the Agera R can be fitted with a Ski Box as well as winter tires, not that I would take one on a ski trip or anything like that. While the Agera R has a massive theoretical top speed, the current tested top speed is 260 mph. Expect this snow car to be the Bugatti's arch enemy for the next 5 years.
Also a tie for #3.
3. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010. On March 2011, the Koenigsegg Agera R also surpassed it, forcing this American made car to the #3 spot. Shelby SuperCars will continue their quest to reclaim the fastest car title, and their new SSC Tuatura might do the job (we'll just have to wait).

3. 9ff GT9-R: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. 4.0 Litre V6 Twin-Turbo Engine with 1120 hp, base price is $695,000. Based on the Porsche 911, the 9ff GT9-R 1120 hp version is limited to 20 units and the exterior may be modified to suit the owner.

4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph (399 km/h), 0-60 in 2.8 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass. It will make you want to show it off non-stop.

5. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph (394 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is the older brother of the Agera R, only losing to 4 other supercars in the world.

6. McLaren F1: 240 mph (386 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. The fastest car in the 20th century with doors that looks like bat wings. Maybe Batman needs to order one and paint it black
7. Zenvo ST1: 233 mph (374 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. Twin-Charged 7.0 liter V8 Engine forging 1,104 hp. Base price: $1,225,000. The first Supercar from Zenvo Automotive, a Danish sports car company in pursuit of speed and perfection. This 100% Danish made supercar is limited to 15 units and the company even promised "flying doctors" to keep your baby functioning.

There is a tie for 8th place at 225 mph.
8. Gumpert Apollo: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.0 secs, 4.2 liter V8 Engine that houses 650 hp. Base price: $450,000. Gumpert claims that the Apollo was designed such that it could drive upside-down in a tunnel with speeds at 190 mph or above. Of course, no one has tested this yet.
8. Noble M600: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.7 secs. Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 Engine with 650 hp. Base price is $330,000. The Noble M600 also happens to be a very cool car. Its inconspicuous design sports a slender and contoured body which does not scream out for attention at every second of the day.
There is a 3-way tie for #9!
9. Aston Martin One-77: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. 7.3 litre V12 Engine with 750 hp. Base price: $1,850,000. The production of this is limited to 77, hence the name One-77. This is beauty and power packed into One.

9. Ascari A10: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0 litre BMW V8 S62 Engine with 625 hp. Base price: $650,000. The company planned to produce 50 of these supercars at its factory in Banbury, England.
9. Lamborghini Aventador: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. V12 Engine with 700 hp, base price is $379,700. According to Lamborghini, Aventador is the name of a Bull that entered into battle at the Saragossa Arena on October 1993. This is the fastest bull in the world!

We have another 3-way a tie for 10th place:
10. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. Twin turbocharged AMG V12 engine that produces 678 hp. Base price is $1,850,000. The Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster is a limited-edition, with five ever produced. It is the quintessential exotic and exclusive supercar.
10. Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 were ever produced; the price goes up every time someone crashes.
10. Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still has what it takes to make the list.

ALL NEW HYUNDAI SONATA

Sonata

Sonata 2012

Hyundai India showed its presence at the Auto Expo 2012 with numerous exclusive offering, which comprised of Hyundai Hexa Space, Hyundai Elantra and Veloster along with its premium sedan, new Hyundai Sonata. The new Hyundai Sonata surely was a show stealer at the Hyundai stall at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. The new Hyundai Sonata has been beautifully crafted and followed the principles of its signature Fluidic design. The front grille is in perfect harmony and gives you a feel of a smooth and stunning waterfall. With top-line interiors accompanied with cutting-edge architecture, Hyundai Sonata 2012 stood at the Hyundai Stall with utmost proud.

The all new Hyundai Sonata replaces the Hyundai Sonata Transform that was present in India since 2007. The new Hyundai Sonata which has arrived in India in 2012 already entered many nations before. This super luxury saloon car is better known as Hyundai i45 in Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. The car is also accorded with the tag of Hyundai i40 in Asia. The new Hyundai Sonata is the sixth generation of the premium sedan and comprise of some remarkable features, such as rear and front ventilation, cruise control, high intensity Xenon headlamps, ten way adjustable power seat accompanied with lumbar support, four way power adjustable front passenger seat and paddle shift. Hyundai Motors India Limited has tried to make the new Hyundai Sonata eco-friendly as it comes with an ample of occupant-protection accessories and equipment. The safety features comprise of anti lock braking system with EBD (Electronic Brake Force distribution), smart key with push start, rear view camera, Electro chromic mirror and six airbags that would protect the driver and the passengers in case of accident or collision. 

Talking about the exteriors of 2012 Hyundai Sonata, the car gets the fluidic design sculpture, a part of family treatment to all Hyundai cars, which sports numerous smooth lines and is accompanied with elegantly stretched tail and headlamps on either side of the car. The huge sized chrome grille is designed with utmost care and looks like a stunning waterfall thereby giving the front fascia a premium and lavish look. The new Hyundai Sonata have got beautifully curved coupe like roofline along with prominent wheel arches that fits in strong 17 inches of alloy wheels. Under the hood, all new Hyundai Sonata comes with a powerful 2.4 litre of GDI (Hyundai’s direct petrol injection technology) petrol engine, which churns out 198 BHP of peak power at the rate of 6300 rpm along with 25.5 kgm of peak torque at the rate of 4250 rpm. This powerful 2.4 litre of GDI petrol engine is further mated with the six-speed automatic and manual transmission with paddle shifters, depending on the model one chooses. 

The exteriors of 2012 Hyundai Sonata are certainly impressive, the interiors doesn’t let down as well. The new Hyundai Sonata is adorned with a lot of features, which would enhance the driving experience of the owner to a great extent. The centre console has been placed very intelligently and has a glossy film that leads to a much sportier look. Hyundai Motors was fully aware of the fact that with sound engine and stunning exterior it is very crucial for the sedan to have comfortable and chic interiors. therefore, the car comes jam-packed with some premium equipments, which comprise of a six CD changer music system with AUX-in and USB support, ventilated leather seats for rear and front, ten way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, four way adjustable seat for the front co-passenger and push button keyless start.

Delivering a good mileage is very important for any car and same applies to the 2012 Hyundai Sonata saloon. However, the petrol variants of new Hyundai Sonata doesn’t deliver an impressive mileage, but it gives a decent fuel efficiency of 13.5 km per litre from 2.4 litre of GDI version of Sonata Manual transmission, whereas 12 km per litre of mileage is delivered by 2.4 litre of GDI petrol variant in automatic transmission. The use of Hyundai’s gasoline direct injection technology further gives a bit of jump in the fuel economy by directly injecting highly pressurized fuel in the combustion chamber and tapping the benefits of Dual Continously VariableValve Timing (D-VTVT).

The premium Sonata establishes Hyundai as a pioneer in innovation and design. The new 2.4 litre GDI engine packed in Sonata petrol variants proves its worth in technology by delivering 198 bhp of power at 6300 rpm and a bombastic 25.5 Nm of torque is produced at 4250 revs. The well refined engine delivers best in class power due to the presence of D-VTVT.

New Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a 2.4 litre petrol engine with GDI technology. The sedan is quick enough to zoom from nil speed to a superb 100 kmph in just about 12 seconds. The engine is a super machine and Hyundai engineers have put in their best efforts to tune it. The car can attain a top speed of atleast 210 kmph.

New Hyundai Sonata

Keeping in mind the beauty of the orchid flower the all new Sonata is crafted on the principles of “Fluidic Sculpture” where contrasting surfaces create a vision of continuous motion. The cues for the front grille design are taken from the harmony of flowing water. Exteriors of Hyundai Sonata cannot be described just by calling them stunning. The outer shell of 2012 Hyundai Sonata is exotic and renders the car a ten on ten for shedding luxury all the way it will travel. The detailing done on the design of the car leaves the spectators spell-bound. When Hyundai Sonata runs on its 10 spoke alloy wheels it is bound to create a jaw dropping aura. New Hyundai Sonata can compete with any entry level Merc, Beemer or Audi in terms of appearance, although it will sit in a segment much below them near Rs 20 lakh.

The awe-inspiring touch starts from the front of the sedan. From a more executive look which was kind of bland to look at, Hyundai has given a fluidic design to Sonata with lots of curves and character lines running through-out the body.  Hyundai Motors did the same thing earlier with its entry-level sedan Verna also. Fluidic Verna was introduced by Hyundai India at a time when Verna Transform failed to bring the potential customers to the showroom. Hyundai India has taken up the challenge to turn around the lukewarm sales of the Hyundai Sonata Transform replacing it with the all new Hyundai Sonata Fluidic. The revamped version speaks volumes of the Hyundai’s new Fluidic design concept which has garnered unimagined success with new Hyundai Verna Fluidic where the car enthusiasts are still finding it beyond their slightest imagination to imbibe the luster of the new car. Hence, Hyundai Motors has decided to carry the Fluidic lineage forward which is clearly evident in the 2012 Hyundai Sonata model.

The new Sonata Fluidic is an eye candy by any standards with its liquid flowing design and sparkling new exteriors. On an overall, the new version looks more refined with high intensity xenon headlamps especially at the corners with a brilliant sparkle within it. Hyundai Motors have decided to retain the delicate looking grille as usual but endowed it with ample chrome in large proportions which stands out the most matching up with the smooth lustrous finish of the car. The 2012 Hyundai Sonata looks more graceful and upmarket than before especially with the new air duct which sheds off the ventilated look from before.

The side skirts of the car are carried forward from the previous version but look more prominent with the dazzling new exteriors to make one wonder if it went missing in the past. Another crease running parallel from the fascia of the car to the rear end, but more near the seams of the car is also retained in the new Hyundai Sonata which blends easily into the car design now, than it was before which used to hang out like an addition as an afterthought. The delicate near invisible lines on the bonnet helps the new car build a look which exudes a feminine curvaceous form or rather confirms if its well-toned look is an additional expert touch on its blessed superfluous beauty.

The pair of rather imaginary lines converges into a ‘V’ shaped form to blend into the grille symbolically ensuring the success of the new Hyundai Sonata.  The new bonnet design is a rather enticing replacement of the more prominent lines from before which more worked like a catalyst in spoiling the overall look of the sedan bringing out a cheaper image to it. Just in tandem with the rest, the fog lamps, present at front and rear have taken a new form altogether to suit the premium image to offer perfect symmetry to the onlookers. The turn indicators integrated body-colored external side rear view mirrors add the much required charm quotient to look more appropriate while it looked so out of place in the predecessor. To cap it all, the new Hyundai Sonata globally known as Hyundai i45 is a perfect choice for a premium car buyer which does not carry a single dent (figure of speech) as far as the car exteriors are concerned meeting all the requirements of the luxury car buyer with ample 523 L boot space under the extended well-crafted rear of the car which could be ideal for long travels.

New Hyundai Sonata is 4820 mm long, 1835 mm wide and 1490 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2795 mm, thus giving a long saloon look from the sides and the ground clearance is 155 mm. Front track and rear track of 2012 Hyundai Sonata is 1591 mm.

Hyundai India has launched the 2012 Hyundai Sonata integrating its Fluidic concept in the revamped version to see an ample change from the previous model with a new style factor to make up for all the deficits in the predecessor. The all new interiors of Hyundai Sonata carry a special oomph factor to fill in for all the gaps where the consumers have found the Hyundai Sonata Transform to be a let-down.  The Korean auto giant Hyundai Motors has ensured to deliver maximum driveability in the new Hyundai Sonata with all the more plusher interiors to make the drive on the new Sonata memorable. A test drive on the car is enough to have the well-cherished memory engraved forever in the mind. Long drives on the car can be carried out with utmost ease and comfort without a single joint in the body creaking out for mercy with the spacious interiors where the passengers can relax and enjoy the entire drive with a pleasant blissful smile on the face.

Hyundai Motors has made a thoughtful replacement of the rich black interiors with a pleasanter hue with the perfect mixture of beige, grey and black color tones to forget the stressful environment at work to enjoy a home-like comfort inside the safety haven of new Hyundai Sonata Fluidic. The new sedan is as luxurious as ever before with much richer color combinations with new vintage leather upholstery and intelligently laid out features just ready to perform at the users’ commands and all well within reach. The center console is positioned ergonomically in a high gloss film that lends it a sporty look. hi-visibility supervision cluster and a X-shaped centre fascia are other key highlights of Sonata. The beige color tones have crept into the power steering as well apart from the chrome inserts and the illuminated audio controls which will not disappoint the consumers in the least.

The modifications in the A/C vents are extremely prominent in the 2012 Hyundai Sonata which catch the consumers’ appraisal first before anything else does. The vertical looking cool air promoters are smartly placed to squeeze out more space instead of looking overcrowded with all the essential techno-gadgetry. The LCD touchscreen for easy manipulation of audio and navigation controls onboard the car is sleeker than before to override the wide box-type screen from before. The uncompromising legroom is quite evident in the premium sedan as Hyundai Motors is determined to deliver utmost driving experience on the car with the extended wheelbase in the new Hyundai Sonata where the comfort can be doubled with the 4-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats. The headroom for the passenger comfort is also impressive in the new Sonata apart from the wider seats to accommodate the passengers completely. The cockpit is however as charming as ever before with the two arches on the driver and passenger side in the front seats to portray a feeling of a partition in the center to separate the two sides.  Hyundai Sonata Fluidic now poses a potential threat to the Honda Accord in true spirit with the spacious interiors and new attractive exteriors. On an overall, Hyundai Motors has delivered the results and now it is the time to keep its fingers crossed hoping for a success for the extreme efforts it has put in.

The new Hyundai Sonata is offered in petrol variants, where petrol options will be two in number. The Hyundai Sonata with 2.4 litre of GDI petrol engine is uses the company’s gasoline direct injection technology, which boosts up the power, fuel efficiency and the engine response accompanied with low CO2 emissions. The 2359 cc litre of GDI petrol engine fitted in 2012 Hyundai Sonata keeps the ability and capacity to produce maximum power of 198 BHP @ 6300 rpm along with 250 Nm of torque @ 4250 rpm. This amount of power allows the sedan to perform well on the road and could give a stiff competition to its opponents in the Indian car bazaar. The engine is transversely mounted in front. Apart from petrol, one can wait for the diesel version too, which will come later. This 2.0 litre of CRDi diesel motor would churn out 194 bhp of power.

The petrol version of 2012 Hyundai Sonata is intelligently mated with six speed manual gearbox as well as six speed automatic transmission, respectively. Therefore, by replacing the MPI engine with GDI, Hyundai India has surely made a very wise decision and added more appeal to the sedan and made it much better than the previous Hyundai Sonata Transform.

2012 Hyundai Sonata will be associated with ventilated disc brakes in front and solid disc brakes at the rear wheels so as to behave proactively while applying brakes. Independent Mac Pherson struts and anti roll bar suspension are used for front wheels while Multi-link, coil springs, anti roll bar suspensions are used at the rear. Braking will be superb with Anti-lock-Braking System mated to Electronic Brakeforce distribution (EBD).

2012 Hyundai Sonata is loaded with ample of luxury features and with these features, Hyundai India has not forgotten to provide top-class safety and handling too. The new Hyundai Sonata sedan comes with 6 inbuilt airbags that would save the driver and the passengers in case of collision or accident. The amplitude selective damper enhances the stability and comfort level of the car. A steady handling is preserved even on the bumpy Indian terrains. The brake booster along with the disc brakes and anti lock braking system further adds more safety while driving the sedan.  Another highlighted safety features in the new Hyundai Sonata sedan is the electronic stability program (ESP), which regulates brake force and engine torque that in-turn helps the driver to maintain the control on the car. 

Being technically sound is not just enough for any car and Hyundai India is well aware of this fact. Therefore, the company has kept in mind to provide numerous comfort features along with some entertainment in the new Hyundai Sonata Sedan. The car sports an advanced integrated music system with AUX, USB and iPod port along with evenly placed speakers that provide good quality sound. Besides such good sound system, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata sedan also comes with powerful dual full auto air conditioning that helps maintaining the temperature inside the cabin automatically. The heated front and rear seats will certainly make you feel comfortable in the chilly winter days. The stunning panoramic sunroof lets you to breathe the sun and adds a whole new dimension to the look of the sedan.