Car brands beginning with the letter A

Several car manufacturers around the world have names starting with A. Some are household names you see on roads everywhere; others are smaller brands or regional makers. This guide lists the major ones, where they come from, and what kinds of vehicles they build.

The list includes both current brands still making cars and historical ones you might encounter in used-car listings or classic car collections. Knowing which brands exist helps you understand the full range of options when you are shopping for a vehicle or researching automotive history.

Key Takeaways

  • Acura, Audi, and Alfa Romeo are luxury brands; Acura is owned by Honda, Audi by Volkswagen Group, and Alfa Romeo by Stellantis.
  • Aston Martin makes high-end sports cars and is based in the United Kingdom; it has changed ownership multiple times over its history.
  • Aiways and Arcfox are newer Chinese electric vehicle brands entering global markets.
  • AMC and Austin were American and British brands that stopped producing cars decades ago but still appear in used-car markets.
  • Subaru's parent company is Subaru Corporation, and the brand is known for all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines.

Luxury and performance brands

Acura is Honda's luxury division, founded in 1986. It sells sedans, SUVs, and sports cars in North America. Acura vehicles use Honda engines and platforms but with higher-end interiors and more powerful performance options.

Audi is a German luxury brand owned by the Volkswagen Group. It makes sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and wagons. Audi is known for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and is sold worldwide.

Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury and performance brand now owned by Stellantis (the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler). It builds sedans and SUVs with a focus on driving dynamics and design. Alfa Romeo has a long racing history dating back to the 1910s.

Aston Martin is a British maker of high-end sports cars and luxury vehicles. The brand is famous for its association with James Bond films. Aston Martin produces low-volume, expensive cars aimed at collectors and enthusiasts.

Mainstream and regional brands

Subaru is a Japanese automaker owned by Subaru Corporation. It is known for all-wheel-drive sedans, wagons, and SUVs. Subaru uses horizontally-opposed (boxer) engines, which sit lower in the vehicle and improve handling.

Aiways is a Chinese electric vehicle brand founded in 2017. It makes battery-powered SUVs and sedans aimed at the global market. Aiways vehicles are sold in Europe and Asia.

Arcfox is another Chinese brand, owned by BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding). It focuses on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Arcfox is newer to international markets but has a growing presence in Asia.

Discontinued American and British brands

AMC (American Motors Corporation) was an American automaker that operated from 1954 to 1987. It made the Jeep, Rambler, Gremlin, and Pacer. AMC was eventually absorbed into Chrysler, and Jeep continues as a Chrysler brand today.

Austin was a British car manufacturer that produced vehicles from 1905 to 1987. Austin made the Mini (in partnership with Morris) and the Austin-Healey sports car. The Austin brand merged with Morris to form British Leyland, which later became part of Rover Group.

Both AMC and Austin vehicles still appear in used-car and classic-car markets. Collectors and enthusiasts restore and maintain these older models.

Specialty and regional makers

Artega is a German sports car manufacturer founded in 2007. It makes lightweight, high-performance vehicles in limited numbers. Artega has produced electric and gasoline-powered models.

Autobianchi was an Italian brand owned by Fiat that made small cars and city vehicles from 1957 to 1995. Autobianchi cars were sold mainly in Europe and are now found in classic-car collections.

Avanti was an American sports car brand that produced fiberglass-bodied coupes from 1963 onward. The original Avanti company stopped production in 1991, though the brand name has been revived by other makers in limited production runs.

How to identify a car brand by its badge

Car badges (logos and emblems) are the fastest way to identify a brand. Audi uses four interlocking rings. Alfa Romeo displays a shield with a cross and a serpent. Acura uses a stylized "A" inside a circle. Subaru shows six stars arranged in a cluster (the Pleiades constellation).

If you are shopping for a used car or see an unfamiliar badge, the manufacturer's website or a car identification resource can tell you the brand's country of origin, what models it makes, and whether it is still in business. This information helps you understand repair costs, parts availability, and resale value.

Where these brands are sold

Luxury brands like Audi, Acura, and Alfa Romeo are sold through dedicated dealerships in most countries. Subaru has a global dealer network. Newer Chinese brands like Aiways and Arcfox are expanding into Europe and Asia but may not yet have dealers in all regions.

Discontinued brands like AMC and Austin are no longer sold new anywhere, but specialist dealers and online marketplaces sell used and restored examples. Parts and service for older vehicles may require specialty shops rather than mainstream dealerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acura the same as Honda?

Acura is Honda's luxury brand, so they share the same parent company and many mechanical parts. However, Acura vehicles have different styling, higher-quality interiors, and more powerful engine options than Honda models. They are sold through separate dealerships.

What country makes Audi cars?

Audi is a German brand based in Ingolstadt, Germany. It has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 1966. Audi manufactures vehicles in Germany and also operates factories in other countries.

Are Subaru cars all-wheel drive?

Most Subaru models come standard with all-wheel drive, which is unusual in the industry. Some entry-level Subaru sedans offer front-wheel drive as an option, but all-wheel drive is the brand's signature feature and is available on nearly all its vehicles.

Can I still buy parts for an AMC or Austin car?

Yes, but availability depends on the specific model and part. Specialty suppliers and online marketplaces sell reproduction and used parts for classic AMC and Austin vehicles. Mainstream dealerships will not stock these parts, so you may need to contact specialist shops or collector communities.

What is the difference between Alfa Romeo and Audi?

Both are luxury brands, but Alfa Romeo is Italian and focuses on sports cars and performance, while Audi is German and emphasizes technology and all-wheel-drive systems. Alfa Romeo vehicles tend to prioritize driving feel, while Audi emphasizes comfort and advanced features.