Top Car Brands Starting with G: History & Logos

When exploring the vast world of automobiles, car brands are often recognized and remembered by their names, with many enthusiasts categorizing them alphabetically for convenience. One interesting approach is to explore car manufacturers based on the first letter of their names. Among these, the letter G stands out with a mix of globally renowned and niche automotive brands, each contributing uniquely to the industry.

Car brands starting with the letter G include a diverse lineup of manufacturers from different countries, producing everything from luxury sedans to performance vehicles and commercial trucks. These brands often reflect distinctive engineering philosophies, cultural influences, and market focuses. Some names, like GMC or Genesis, may be familiar to many, while others such as Gillet or Ginetta might be lesser-known but are highly respected in specific circles, such as motorsports or specialty vehicle design.

Understanding the background and contributions of these G-brands provides insight into the innovation and evolution within the automotive landscape. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a student of automotive history, or simply curious, this list offers a fascinating glimpse into how brands that share the same starting letter can differ so widely in style, purpose, and reputation.

SEE ALSO: Top of Car Brands Starting with F

Car Brands Starting With ‘G’

G-Power

G-Power, a German company, began its journey in the automotive world in 1968 in Arezing, Germany, founded by Josef Grommisch and his son. Now headquartered in Autenzele, Bavaria, the company specializes in tuning, particularly for BMW vehicles. It produces various aftermarket components to enhance both new and older BMW models. Starting as a modest gas station in 1971, G-Power became an Alpina dealer, opening an office in Neu-Isenburg by 1983.

Galpin Auto Sports

Since the 1920s and 1930s, car customization has been a captivating trend in the auto industry. Galpin Auto Sports, an American workshop founded in 1946 by Frank Galpin in Van Nuys, USA, is a prominent name in tuning and modernization. The company tailored vehicles to drivers’ preferences. After being acquired by Bert Boeckmann, it gained fame through MTV’s *Pimp My Ride*. Today, it operates under Galpin Motors, Inc., a major Ford dealership.

Geely

Geely Holding Group, a diversified Chinese manufacturer based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, was established in 1986. Its origins trace back to 1984, when Li Shufu founded Zhejiang Huangyan Shiqu Refrigerator Company. Renamed Geely in 1992, it initially produced motorcycles and parts. The first car, the Haoqing SRV hatchback, rolled out in 1998. After securing a car manufacturing license in 2001, Geely gained official status and began exporting vehicles in 2003.

Geiger

Geiger is a German tuning company specializing in enhancing the performance and appearance of American muscle cars and trucks, often importing and customizing vehicles from the United States.

Gemballa

Located in Leonberg near Stuttgart, Germany, Gemballa was created to craft components for Porsche vehicles. Founded by Uwe Gemballa, who passed away in 2010, the company was later acquired by Andreas Schwarz and Steffen Korbach. Its debut model, the Avalanche, based on the Porsche 911/930, emerged in the 1980s, followed by the Cyrrus convertible and Mirage. In 2005, the Gemballa 911 RS America became a standout. Notable models include the Avalanche GTR800 EVO-R, GT 750 Aero 3, MIG-U1, Mistrale, and Racing (2011).

Genaddi

Genaddi is a manufacturer of custom sports cars, offering bespoke vehicles designed to meet the specific preferences of discerning customers.

General Motors

General Motors (GM), America’s largest automaker, enjoys global acclaim. Founded in 1908 in Detroit, Michigan, by William Crapo Durant and Charles Stewart Mott, it emerged from the merger of several firms, including the Olds Motor Vehicle Company. In 1903, GM Corporation was established, absorbing smaller entities. Known for innovative models, GM faced a crisis in the early 2000s, prompting a name change. In 2017, its controlling stake was sold to Groupe PSA.

Genesis Motor

Genesis Motor, launched in 2015 by Hyundai Motor in Seoul, South Korea, focuses on premium vehicles. The Vision G, a two-door, four-seat coupe unveiled in 2015, kicked off its luxury lineup. The G90 executive sedan, the brand’s first official car, followed, with an updated version showcased in 2019.

Ghia

Ghia is an Italian design and engineering firm renowned for its collaborations with numerous automakers, producing stylish and innovative car designs that are frequently linked to classic European models.

Gigliato

Gigliato is an emerging automotive brand known for producing electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable transportation solutions, contributing to a greener future.

Gillet

Gillet, a Belgian maker of sports and racing cars, was founded in 1992 by racer Tony Gillet in Gembloux, Belgium. Its flagship product, the Vertigo sports coupe, boasts the lowest weight among sports cars and is hand-assembled. The brand’s slogan, “Supercar and work of art, Pure Pleasure!” reflects its ethos. The first model debuted in 1991, with the Vertigo 5 introduced in 2008. In 2015, the Zagato Maserati Mostro was built on its platform.

Ginetta Cars

Founded in 1958 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, by the Walklett brothers—racers and engineers—Ginetta Cars produces racing and sports vehicles. Their first car, the Fairlight, featured a fiberglass body. Each brother brought unique expertise: Douglas handled mechanics and electronics, while others focused on design. Bob managed operations. The company relocated multiple times and was acquired by LNT Automotive in 2005, retaining its name and logo. Key models include the Ginetta G20 and G33.

Giugiaro

Giugiaro is an Italian automotive design firm renowned for its contributions to car design and styling, collaborating with various automakers to create iconic vehicles.

Glasspar

In 1947, Bill Tritt established Glasspar in Costa Mesa, California, starting with a fiberglass powerboat. Post-war, he built catamarans and a racing sailboat before venturing into cars with fiberglass bodies. Glasspar produced models like the Sears and Roebuck car, Superlight, Marathon subcompact, Lido Series, Citation, G2, Woodill Wildfire, and Ascot. The company was eventually sold.

G.M.C.

GMC, an American automaker, was formed in 2010 through the merger of General Motors’ GM Truck and Coach and GMC Truck divisions. Specializing in trucks, SUVs, pickups, and vans, GMC traces its roots to 1901, when Max Grabowski founded Rapid Motor Vehicle Company. By 2010, GMC produced over 400,000 vehicles, carrying forward its predecessor’s legacy.

Gordini

Gordini is a French brand specializing in motorsport and automotive tuning, renowned for its high-performance versions of Renault vehicles and a legacy of racing achievements.

Graber Cars

Graber Cars was a renowned Swiss coachbuilder and automaker, celebrated for crafting custom-bodied and luxury vehicles throughout the mid-20th century.

GReddy

GReddy is a Japanese company that specializes in aftermarket performance parts and vehicle tuning, focusing on improving the performance of Japanese and other high-performance cars.

GRMN

GRMN, short for “Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring,” is Toyota’s high-performance division. It specializes in developing enhanced versions of Toyota vehicles, with a strong emphasis on track-focused performance and engineering.

Gumpert

Roland Gumpert launched his company in 2004 in Denkendorf, Germany, to build sports cars. As former Audi Sport director, he led the team to 25 championships, inspiring him to design a versatile sports car for racing and street use. GMG Sportwagenmanufaktur Altenburg GmbH was established, and the Apollo model debuted in 2005. The Apollo Sport appeared on *Top Gear* in 2008. After bankruptcy in 2013, Ideal Team Venture acquired the company in 2016, renaming it Apollo Automobil GmbH.

Great Wall Motors

Great Wall Motor Ltd., a private Chinese company founded in 1984 in Baoding, Hebei, operates four enterprises and 20 subsidiaries. Its facilities produce components and vehicles, including pickup trucks, crossovers, SUVs, minibuses, limousines, and passenger cars, showcasing China’s diverse automotive output.

GAZ

The Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ), a renowned Soviet-Russian manufacturer, was established in 1932 in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod). It produces GAZ-branded cars, vans, light trucks, and military equipment. Reorganized as GAZ OAO in 1990, its iconic models include the GAZ-03-30 bus, GAZ-A truck, GAZ-61-73 (the world’s first comfortable SUV), GAZ-64, GAZ-MM truck, T-60 tank, GAZ-21P “Volga,” and “Pobeda.” The company continues to thrive.

Grinnall

Mark Grinnall founded Grinnall Specialist Cars Ltd. in 1991 in Great Britain, focusing on three-wheeled motorcycles and cars. Initially modifying Triumph TR7 (producing 350 units annually), it later developed the Grinnall TR8 based on the Triumph TR8. Since 1991, it has manufactured three-wheeled Trikes, with the Scorpion III launched in 1992 and Scorpion IV in 1998.

Golden Dragon

Since 1992, Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co., Ltd., based in Xiamen, Fujian, China, has produced luxury buses known for comfort and distinctive design. Popular globally, its lineup includes minibuses ranging from 5 to 18 meters. Golden Dragon ranks among China’s top ten bus manufacturers.

Gardner Douglas

Gardner Douglas, a British automaker founded in 1990 in Grantham, Lincolnshire, crafts hand-built sports cars in small batches. It specializes in modernized versions of the AC Cobra and Lola T70, blending cutting-edge technology and design. Models like GD Mk3, GD Mk4, GD T70 Spyder, Moda, and GD 350 are celebrated for their charm.

Gilbern

Gilbern Sports Cars (Components) Ltd., a Welsh company founded in 1959 by Giles Smith and Bernard Freese in Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, produced distinctive vehicles. Named after its founders, it began with a car designed by Freese for personal use, initially sold as kits. The GT1800 stands out among its models. Production ceased in 1968.

Gonow

Founded in 2003 by GAC Group in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, Gonow (Zhejiang Gonow Auto Co., Ltd.) produced commercial vehicles and SUVs. Marketed domestically as GAC Gonow, its debut model, the Gonow AGE, cost 60,000 units. Since 2006, it collaborated with Italy’s DR Motor Company to produce Katay Gonow off-road vehicles. Guangzhou Automobile Group acquired a controlling stake in 2010, but financial issues emerged by 2016.

GAC Changfeng Motor

A subsidiary of the Chinese automaker GAC Group, GAC Changfeng Motor specializes in SUVs and commercial vehicles, focusing on the domestic Chinese market with a range of affordable models.

GAC Group

Guangzhou Automobile Corporation (GAC Group) is a major Chinese automaker producing vehicles under brands like Trumpchi and Aion. It is known for its advancements in electric vehicles and partnerships with global brands like Toyota and Honda.

GAIG

Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group (GAIG) is a holding company overseeing various automotive ventures, including GAC Group. It plays a significant role in China’s automotive industry through manufacturing and joint ventures.

Gareau

A lesser-known historical brand, Gareau was a short-lived French manufacturer producing automobiles in the early 20th century, with limited production and minimal surviving records.

Geijer & Co

Geijer & Co was a Swedish company that briefly ventured into automobile production in the early 1900s. Its vehicles were niche and are now considered rare collectibles.

GEM

Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) is an American brand under Polaris Industries, specializing in low-speed electric vehicles designed for short-range urban and campus use.

Geo

Geo was a sub-brand of General Motors (GM) in the United States, active from 1989 to 1997. It focused on compact, fuel-efficient cars, often rebadged models from Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki and Toyota.

Ghabbour Group

An Egyptian conglomerate, Ghabbour Group (GB Auto) is a leading automotive manufacturer and distributor in the Middle East, producing vehicles under license for brands like Hyundai and assembling its own models.

Giad

Giad Auto is a Sudanese company based in Khartoum, known for assembling vehicles primarily for the local market. It produces a range of cars and trucks under license from international manufacturers.

Giocattolo Motori

Giocattolo Motori was an Australian company in the 1980s that produced the Giocattolo, a mid-engine sports car powered by an Alfa Romeo V8. Only a few units were built, making it a rare collector’s item.

Giottiline

Giottiline is an Italian brand specializing in camper vans and motorhomes. While not a traditional car manufacturer, it is recognized for its innovative designs in recreational vehicles.

GKD

GKD Sports Cars is a British company that produces kit cars, such as the GKD Legend, a modern take on the classic Lotus Seven. It caters to enthusiasts who enjoy building and customizing their vehicles.

GKN

GKN is primarily an engineering company, but it has contributed to the automotive industry through driveline technologies and components. It is not a car brand but has historical significance in vehicle manufacturing.

Glas

Glas was a German manufacturer active from the 1950s to 1960s, producing small cars like the Goggomobil and later more upscale models. BMW acquired Glas in 1966, ending its independent production.

GN

GN was a British manufacturer in the early 20th century, producing cyclecars and lightweight vehicles. It collaborated with Frazer Nash, but production ceased after the 1920s.

Gnome

Gnome was a French brand in the early 1900s, primarily known for motorcycles and small cars. It faded from the automotive scene but left a mark in early vehicle history.

Goggomobil

Goggomobil was a microcar produced by Glas in Germany during the 1950s and 1960s. Its compact size and affordability made it popular in post-war Europe.

Goliath

Goliath was a German brand under the Borgward group, active from the 1920s to 1950s. It produced small cars and commercial vehicles, such as the Goliath Pionier.

Gordon-Keeble

Gordon-Keeble was a British manufacturer in the 1960s, known for the GT, a stylish grand tourer with a Chevrolet V8 engine. Financial issues limited production to around 100 units.

Graf & Stift

Graf & Stift was an Austrian company from the late 19th to early 20th century, producing luxury cars and buses. It was notable for its engineering and royal clientele.

Graham

Graham, later Graham-Paige, was an American brand from the 1920s to 1940s. It produced reliable mid-range cars but struggled during the Great Depression, ceasing production after World War II.

Grant

Grant was an early American manufacturer in the 1910s, producing small, affordable cars. It was short-lived, unable to compete with larger automakers like Ford.

Gray-Dort Motors

Gray-Dort Motors was a Canadian company from 1915 to 1925, assembling cars based on American designs. It was successful locally but faded as U.S. brands dominated.

Griffith

Griffith was an American brand in the 1990s, producing high-performance sports cars like the Griffith 200. It aimed to rival European exotics but faced financial challenges.

Grofri

Grofri is a lesser-known brand with limited information, possibly a niche or experimental manufacturer. Its impact on the automotive industry remains minimal.

GTA Motor

GTA Motor is a Spanish company known for the GTA Spano, a limited-production supercar with a twin-turbo V10 engine. It debuted in 2010, targeting the luxury performance market.

Gurgel Motores

Gurgel Motores was a Brazilian manufacturer from the 1960s to 1990s, producing rugged utility vehicles like the Xavante. It pioneered fiberglass bodies but struggled financially.

Gutbrod

Gutbrod was a German company in the 1950s, producing small cars like the Superior. It also ventured into agricultural machinery but ceased car production by the mid-1950s.

Gazelle

Gazelle refers to kit cars inspired by classic designs, often built by enthusiasts. It is not a traditional brand but represents a niche in custom automotive culture.

Gray

Gray was an American brand in the early 1900s, producing steam and gasoline-powered cars. It was short-lived, overshadowed by more successful competitors.

Gregoire

Gregoire was a French manufacturer in the early 20th century, known for innovative designs like front-wheel-drive cars. It ceased production by the 1920s.

Grieve

Grieve is a lesser-known brand in automotive history. Information about Grieve is sparse, but it is recognized as a small-scale or historical manufacturer, possibly producing vehicles in limited runs or prototypes. Details about its models or production timeline are not widely documented.

Grupo Industrial Ramirez

Grupo Industrial Ramirez is a Mexican industrial conglomerate that has ventured into automotive manufacturing. While not a mainstream car brand, it has been involved in producing specialized vehicles or components, often for commercial or niche markets in Latin America.

GSM

GSM (Gowland Sports Manufacturing) is a niche brand, primarily associated with small-scale or kit car production. Based in South Africa, GSM has produced lightweight sports cars like the Dart and Flamingo, catering to enthusiasts seeking unique, performance-oriented vehicles.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, car brands starting with the letter G, such as Genesis, GMC, and Geely, represent a diverse range of automotive manufacturers, each contributing unique designs, technologies, and market focuses to the global industry. From luxury vehicles to rugged trucks and innovative electric models, these brands showcase the versatility and evolution of automotive engineering. Their presence highlights the competitive nature of the car market, catering to varied consumer preferences worldwide.