Italian automotive history traces back to the late 19th century, with pioneers like Fiat laying the foundation for an industry that would soon become synonymous with performance, elegance, and innovation.
In the global automotive industry, Italian car companies hold a revered position. They are popular for their unparalleled craftsmanship and strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
From the legendary prancing horse of Ferrari to the roaring bull of Lamborghini, Italian companies exemplify the pinnacle of automotive performance and luxury.
And as we enter into the new automotive era, these Italian brands shine bright with advancements in electrification, autonomous driving technology, and sustainable mobility.
In this overview article, we’ve highlighted the most popular Italian Car Brands that are known for their elegance, performance, and distinctive flair. Each company represents a unique chapter in the ongoing saga of Italian automotive excellence.
Did you know?
Zagato, a well-known Italian coachbuilding firm, has collaborated with various manufacturers to produce limited-edition models, including Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato, and Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale.
Table of Contents
10. Pininfarina
Pininfarina B95
Revenue: $107 million+
Majority Ownership: Mahindra Group (76%)
Pininfarina is an iconic automotive design and engineering company that combines artistry with engineering. Their timeless designs reflect the spirit of Italian elegance and craftsmanship.
Pininfarina has collaborated with numerous automakers over the years, creating some of the most popular cars in automotive history. So far, the company has designed more than 1,200 cars for big automakers like Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo.
Some of its most famous designs include the Alfa Romeo Spider, Lancia Aurelia B24, Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta, and Ferrari Testarossa.
The company’s expertise isn’t limited to traditional design; they’re also making strides in electric mobility and autonomous vehicles. They’re actively engaged in developing electric vehicles (EVs), with one notable project being the Battista, an all-electric hypercar.
Pininfarina has received many accolades for its design, including multiple “Car Design Awards” and the prestigious “Compasso d’Oro” design award in Italy.
In 2023, Automobili Pininfarina achieved record-breaking growth, with a surge in deliveries of the Battista hyper-GT to a growing international clientele. In 2024, the company reported annual revenue of over $107 million, up from $103 million the year before.
9. Cizeta
Cizeta V16T
Founded in 1988
Once based in Modena, Italy, Cizeta is now a manufacturer located in the United States. It gained fame for its unconventional and luxurious vehicles that combined Italian design flair with cutting-edge engineering.
The company was founded by Claudio Zampolli, a former Lamborghini engineer, and Giorgio Moroder, a music composer. They aimed to create a unique supercar that would rival the performance and exclusivity of established automakers.
Cizeta’s flagship model, V16T, was introduced in the early 1990s. It featured a 6-liter V16 engine, developed by integrating two Lamborghini Urraco V8 engines. While the engine produced a distinctive exhaust note, the chassis and suspension of the car offered exceptional handling and stability.
The production of the Cizeta V16T was limited, contributing to its high demand among collectors and enthusiasts. Today, Cizeta Automobili continues as a niche manufacturer, producing bespoke supercars for selected clients.
8. Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce
Founded in 1910
Majority Ownership: Stellantis Italy
Annual Sales: 62,000+ units
Annual Revenue: $4 billion
Alfa Romeo has a rich history in motorsport. It achieved numerous victories in prestigious racing events like Formula One, Targa Florio, and Mille Miglia.
These triumphs helped the company solidify its reputation for performance and engineering excellence, with iconic models like the Alfa Romeo 8C, Tipo 33, and Giulia dominating the race tracks.
Drawing inspiration from its rich heritage and Italian flair, Alfa Romeo’s modern design language showcases aggressive styling cues, sleek lines, and driver-centric interiors.
In recent years, the company has made some changes to expand its product lineup, improve its brand image, and reestablish itself as a competitive player in the premium automotive segment.
Their future lineup is expected to include a mix of performance-oriented models, electrified vehicles, and SUVs.
While the brand has a global presence, it has faced challenges in certain regions. Alfa Romeo has experienced fluctuations in sales over the years, with varying levels of success in different markets.
Approximately 62,000 units were sold in 2024, down from more than 70,000 units in 2023. Nevertheless, their future sales and revenues are anticipated to stabilize.
7. Abarth
Abarth 600e
Founded in 1949
Annual Revenue: $283 million
Majority Ownership: Stellantis Italy
Abarth is renowned for its high-performance tuning of Fiat vehicles and for producing small, sporty cars with distinctive styling. Its iconic Scorpion logo symbolizes the brand’s agility, speed, and determination on the racetrack.
Abarth has created various iconic models since its inception, including Abarth 124, Abarth 500, Abarth 595, and Abarth 695 Biposto. These models feature aggressive styling cues, fine-tuned engines, and upgraded suspensions, appealing to enthusiasts seeking spirited driving experiences.
The Abarth 500, in particular, has gained popularity for its compact size, nimble handling, and unique exhaust note.
Abarth’s tuning expertise is evident in its vehicles, which are engineered for maximum performance on both road and racetrack. The company has achieved numerous victories across different racing disciplines, including circuit racing, hill climbs, and rallying.
They have officially phased out ICE and hybrid models in Europe, transitioning to all-electric lineups anchored by the 500e and 600e. Plans are underway for more electric offerings, possibly expanding into a larger EV SUV segment based on the new Fiat Grande Panda / SUV family.
6. Lancia
From the red elefantino badge to the striking front bumper and dark brushed elements, the #NewYpsilonHFLine blends modern attitude with unmistakable heritage.
Discover it in person—visit your dealership: https://t.co/AD4nHeTV61#Lancia #HFIsBack #UnleashTheInstinct pic.twitter.com/7Bm9flD3eF
— Lancia (@lancia_official) July 16, 2025
Founded in 1906
Annual Sales: 32,600+ units
Annual Revenue: $850 million+
Majority Ownership: Stellantis Italy
Lancia was founded by Italian racing driver Vincenzo Lancia and automotive engineer Claudio Fogolin. The company introduced its first car, Tipo 51, in 1907, featuring innovative design elements and advanced engineering for its time.
Their design philosophy is characterized by elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty. All their vehicles feature sleek lines, harmonious proportions, and attention to detail.
Lancia introduced several innovations, including the first production V6 engine, monocoque construction, and independent front suspension in production cars.
The company has created various iconic models throughout its history. Notable ones include Lancia Fulvia, Lancia Aurelia, Lancia Thema, Lancia Delta, and Lancia Stratos.
However, in recent years, the brand has faced challenges, including declining sales, financial difficulties, and changing market trends. Lancia’s global presence has decreased, with its focus primarily on the European market.
Stellantis Italy, the parent company of Lancia, plans to reposition the brand within the premium segment, focusing on limited-production models and leveraging its heritage and iconic status.
In 2024, the company sold 32,649 cars in Europe, a 28% drop from the previous year. The decline was mainly due to the shift from the old Ypsilon to the new premium Lancia Ypsilon 4, which had a slower-than-expected launch.
5. Maserati
Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo
Founded in 1914
Annual Sales: 11,300 (2024)
Annual Revenue: $1 billion+
Majority Ownership: Stellantis
Maserati is famous for producing high-performance sports cars, sedans, and SUVs. In its early years, the company focused on motorsport. It has an impressive racing heritage, with more than 1,000 victories in various motorsport competitions, including endurance racing, Formula One, and GT championships.
Maserati is dedicated to making top-notch cars, emphasizing performance, innovation, and driving dynamics. Their cars are powered by potent engines developed in-house, delivering exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.
They utilize advanced technology, such as adaptive suspension systems, electronic drive aids, and all-wheel drive, to optimize performance and ensure driver confidence in various driving conditions.
Their lineup includes models such as Ghibli (sport sedan), Quattroporte (luxury sedan), GranTurismo (grand tourer), and Levante (luxury SUV), each offering a unique combination of style, comfort, and performance.
The Maserati Quattroporte, in particular, has been in production for over five decades, making it one of the longest-running models in the automotive industry. Moreover, the Levante model, launched in 2016, has become a popular choice among buyers, contributing to Maserati’s expansion into the luxury SUV segment.
These vehicles are sold in over 70 countries, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and China. Maserati plans to introduce electric cars in its upcoming lineup, aiming for both sustainability and exceptional performance.
The MC20 Folgore is set to launch in 2025, followed by a large electric SUV in 2027 and the Quattroporte EV in 2028. All models will be developed and built in Italy.
4. Pagani
Pagani Utopia
Founded in 1992
Production Volume: 40 – 45 vehicles
Annual Revenue: $75 million+
Number of employees: 160+
Founded by Horacio Pagani, an Argentine-Italian automotive engineer and designer, Pagani has risen to prominence as one of the world’s most exclusive and revered automotive brands.
Pagani believes in chasing perfection by blending art with engineering. Every Pagani model is a work of art, meticulously built to the highest standards of quality and precision.
The company prefers using lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber and titanium, to optimize performance and enhance agility on both roads and tracks.
Their cars are built for extreme performance, capable of reaching remarkable top speeds. For example, the Huayra BC Roadster can hit 238 mph (383 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars in the world.
Unveiled in 2022, the Utopia marks a new era for Pagani, blending classic 1950s–60s design with contemporary minimalism and performance. The coupe uses a twin-turbo V12 from AMG, paired with Pagani’s bespoke 7-speed gearbox and analog instrumentation. Only 99 hand-built units were planned, with prices starting at around $2.19 million.
Pagani manufactures its cars in limited quantities. This limited-production approach enables a high level of customization, allowing buyers to tailor their cars to exact specifications, from interior trim materials to exterior paint colors.
3. Lamborghini
Lamborghini Temerario
Founded in 1963
Majority Ownership: Audi AG
Annual Sales: 10,687 units
Annual Revenue: $3.6 billion+
Lamborghini began with a big dream: creating groundbreaking sports cars that could compete with the best from renowned brands like Ferrari. Today, Lamborghini has established itself as a symbol of luxury, innovation, and engineering excellence.
Lamborghini cars stand out for their striking design, aggressive styling, and aerodynamic shapes. Their iconic scissor doors, angular contours, and bold lines make them instantly recognizable. Plus, they utilize top-notch materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium to reduce weight, optimize performance, and enhance handling characteristics.
The company has produced several iconic models, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive world. These include the Lamborghini Miura (often referred to as the world’s first supercar), the Lamborghini Countach (famous for its scissor doors and futuristic design), and the Lamborghini Aventador (which features a powerful V-12 engine).
More recent models, like the Lamborghini Huracán and the Lamborghini Urus SUV, have further expanded the company’s lineup, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and versatility for a broader range of customers.
The company’s first V12 plug-in hybrid (HPEV), Revuelto, succeeded the Aventador. It combines a V12 engine with three electric motors and has sold out through the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Temerario replaces the Huracán with a twin-turbo V8 PHEV, delivering 907 hp, and retains Lamborghini’s fierce performance ethos.
In 2024, Lamborghini achieved record global sales, delivering 10,687 cars, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Revenue surpassed €3 billion for the first time, reaching €3.09 billion, while operating profit hit a record €835 million. In fact, 2024 marked the best year in Lamborghini’s history for sales, revenue, and profit.
2. Ferrari
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Founded in 1939
Majority Ownership: Public (65.49%); Exor N.V. (24.21%)
Annual Sales: 13,752 units (2024)
Annual Revenue: $7.5 billion
Ferrari has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious and recognizable names in the industry. Its iconic red cars adorned with the prancing horse logo represent speed, power, and racing pedigree.
Ferrari has a rich racing heritage, and its success in prestigious racing events (like Formula One and GT championships) has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity and reputation for performance.
From classic models like the Ferrari 250 GTO and Ferrari Daytona to modern-day supercars such as the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Ferrari LaFerrari, each represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, design, and performance.
The company maintains a reputation for exclusivity and prestige, with its car being highly coveted by automotive experts, collectors, and enthusiasts. Buyers often become part of an exclusive community where they share a passion for Ferrari’s history and craftsmanship.
The company is on a strong growth path. In FY 2025, it reported revenue of $7.5 billion, up 10% year-over-year, while gross profit reached $3.8 billion, a 13.2% increase from the previous year..
Did you know?
Scuderia Ferrari, the racing division of Ferrari, has competed in every Formula One World Championship since its inception in 1950 and has won over 245 Grand Prix prizes.
1. Fiat
Fiat 500e
Founded in 1899
Annual Sales: 1,200,000+ units
Annual Revenue: 101 billion+
Majority Ownership: Stellantis Italy
Fiat produces a broad range of vehicles, including compact cars, hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and commercial vehicles like vans and trucks, catering to multiple segments of the automotive market.
Fiat cars are popular for their practicality and affordability. They stand out with their eye-catching aesthetics and efficient use of space.
The company has a global presence, with operations in over 100 countries and a vast network of dealerships and manufacturing facilities worldwide. It has a strong presence in Europe, particularly in Italy, where it is the leading automotive brand.
More specifically, Fiat emerged as Stellantis’s highest-volume brand, selling over 1.2 million units globally. It led in four domestic markets across three continents: Brazil (Strada), Italy (Panda), Turkey (Egea), and Algeria (Doblò).
In Italy alone, Fiat sold more than 190,000 vehicles in 2024, capturing a 10.8% market share, while in Brazil it secured a 20.9% share with over 521,000 units.
The Fiat 500 consistently ranks among the best-selling cars in Italy and other European markets. Their other top-selling models are the Fiat Panda, Fiat Egea, and Fiat Strada, each selling over 120,000 units annually.
The company continues to evolve and adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences. In order to stay relevant and competitive, they regularly update their product lineup and introduce new models that resonate with contemporary lifestyles.
The company plans a Giga Panda compact SUV (C-segment) and a fastback SUV, both built on the same Smart Car Platform.
New Italian Car Brands
11. Automobili Estrema
Founded in 2020
Automobili Estrema is a high-performance automotive company that aims to push the boundaries of EV technology and performance.
Their debut model, the Fulminea, boasts 2,040 horsepower generated by four electric motors. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds, reaching a top speed of 320 km/h. Moreover, its impressive range of 520 kilometers on a single charge underscores its practicality and versatility.
The company is still in its early stages. Its reception in the automotive market, including interest from enthusiasts and media, would serve as an indicator of its future success and impact.
12. XEV
Founded in 2016
Staff Count: 150+
XEV, short for X Electrical Vehicle, is dedicated to making compact and practical electric cars designed for city life. Their goal is to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation while addressing issues such as traffic and pollution in urban areas.
They’ve introduced the LSEV (Low-Speed Electric Vehicle), which has a lightweight chassis and body. Many components are made using 3D printing, which saves significant time and money compared to traditional car production methods.
Their flagship model, YOYO, unveiled in 2021, has a top speed of 50 mph and a maximum range of 93 miles. Unlike traditional cars that consist of thousands of components, the Yoyo is made with only 57 components.
The innovative use of 3D printing technology enables the creation of intricate parts using enhanced nylon and thermoplastic polyurethane materials, thereby minimizing waste and maximizing design flexibility.
13. Zagato
Zagato AGTZ
Founded in 1919
Zagato produces some of the rarest, most collectible cars in the world, often in collaboration with major luxury and performance brands such as Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.
It focuses almost exclusively on extremely limited-edition or one-off designs, making its creations as much works of art as they are automobiles. Over the decades, Zagato cars became symbols of exclusivity, with many models produced in runs of fewer than 20 units.
Its distinct design language (marked by aerodynamic purity, lightweight structures, and the iconic double-bubble roof) sets it apart from other coachbuilders and luxury car designers.
At the 2025 Villa d’Este Concours, the company unveiled three new coachbuilt projects. These include the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato, a concept built on the classic 8C platform, and the AGTZ Twin Tail, based on the Alpine A110.
More to Know
Which brand sold the most vehicles in Italy?
In 2023, Fiat was the best-selling automobile brand in Italy, selling over 230,700 vehicles. Following Fiat were Volkswagen, with around 101,960 vehicles sold, and Peugeot, with approximately 98,000 units sold. Fiat maintained its dominance in 2024, with the Fiat Panda remaining a popular choice among Italian buyers.
Comparison of Italy’s two most luxurious car brands
| Ferrari | Lamborghini |
| Founded in 1947 by Enzo Ferrari | Founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini |
| Has a rich history in Formula One racing | More focused on producing road cars and GT racing |
| Emphasizes elegance and refinement | Known for aggressive and futuristic designs |
| Iconic models include Ferrari 250 GTO, LaFerrari, 488 GTB | Lamborghini Miura, Countach, Aventador |
| Positioned as a premium luxury brand | Positioned as a high-performance supercar brand |
| Symbol of luxury, exclusivity, and performance | Exudes boldness, power, and audacity |
| Offers exclusive ownership programs like Ferrari Clienti and Ferrari Classiche | Offers VIP ownership experiences, including factory tours and exclusive events |
| Enjoys a strong and loyal fan base | Enjoys a passionate following among enthusiasts |
The table only provides a general comparison; individual preferences and opinions may vary based on personal tastes and experiences.
The Italian automotive sector
Italy’s automotive industry is a major economic driver, employing 268,300 people. In 2022, the sector generated a turnover of €92.7 billion, accounting for nearly 9.3% of Italy’s manufacturing turnover and 5.2% of its GDP.
In 2024, Italy produced 591,067 vehicles, down from 880,085 units the previous year. This decline was driven by weak demand for fully electric vehicles, regulatory uncertainty, and growing competition from Chinese automakers.
Read More
