13 Companies You Wouldn’t Expect to Make Cars

In an unexpected twist, 13 companies known for everything but cars have ventured into the automotive industry. This article dives into how these diverse players, from tech giants to aerospace experts, are making waves in the world of vehicles. Get ready for a side of car manufacturing where innovation knows no bounds!

Sony Vision-S and Vision S 02

Sony, primarily known for its electronic products, made a significant entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with its Vision-S at the 2020 CES show, a direct Tesla rival. This move wasn’t just a one-off, as Sony later unveiled the Vision S 02, an SUV, at CES 2022. This seven-seater boasts twin electric engines, each offering 271 hp. Although the target range wasn’t specified, Sony’s announcement to explore the EV market marks a notable shift in its business strategy. This isn’t the first time an electronics company has ventured into car manufacturing – a precedent set by Samsung in the 1990s. Additionally, Sony’s collaboration with Honda in March 2022 to create a new company for manufacturing EVs further cements its commitment to this new venture.

Steinway and the Daimler Motor Company

The story of Steinway, a New York piano maker, intertwining with the automotive industry is a fascinating one. In 1888, William Steinway established the Daimler Motor Company in New York, licensing Gottlieb Daimler’s name. This event marked Daimler as the first European car company in America. However, Steinway’s demise in 1896 halted the progress, and his heirs sold their shares to General Electric. It wasn’t until 1904 that the first ‘American Mercedes’, a version of the Mercedes 45 hp, was produced, continuing until 1907. This early blending of different industries underscores the innovative spirit of the early automotive era.

Outspan MINI

The Outspan MINI, a unique vehicle resembling an orange, offers a quirky yet fascinating slice of automotive history. Driving it is described as a surreal experience, akin to a “teenage fantasy bedroom circa 1973.” Its peculiar design, however, leads to some practical challenges, such as overheating due to non-opening windows and a somewhat unstable driving experience at higher speeds. Despite these quirks, the Outspan MINI remains a testament to the creative and often whimsical design approaches in car manufacturing.

Boeing’s Electric Flying Car

In 2019, aerospace giant Boeing partnered with Porsche to develop an electric flying car. While specific details and a launch timeline were not provided, this collaboration signifies a significant step towards futuristic urban mobility. Research by Porsche in 2018 suggested that the urban air mobility market could start gaining traction as early as 2025, indicating a potentially near-term realization of this ambitious project.

Voisin C5

Gabriel Voisin, an aviation pioneer, transitioned from aircraft to automobiles post-World War One. Starting with powered bicycles, Voisin developed cars like the M1 in 1919 and later, the C5 (1923-1928), which could reach 78mph. His luxury cars were highly prized, with a rare C25 Aérodyne model fetching $1.9 million at a 2013 auction. Voisin’s shift from aviation to automotive highlights the adaptability and innovation of early 20th-century entrepreneurs.

Apple iCar

The Apple iCar project, initiated in 2016, aimed to revolutionize personal mobility, drawing parallels with Apple’s impact on the phone industry. Despite high expectations, the project, known as ‘Project Titan,’ underwent a significant shift in 2019. Apple scaled back its ambitions from building a car to focusing on autonomous systems. Testing of these systems has been ongoing since 2017, using a fleet of Lexus RX450h near Apple’s headquarters. This pivot reflects the complexities and challenges in the automotive sector, even for tech giants like Apple.

Siemens Elektrische Viktoria

Siemens, known for its diverse technological products, ventured into the automotive sector in 1905 with the Elektrische Viktoria. This electric car had a modest top speed of 19mph and a range of about 37 miles. Available in various body styles, it represented an early foray into electric mobility. However, only around 50 models were sold. A tragic event in 2010 involving a replica of the Elektrische Viktoria highlights the historical significance and continued interest in these early automotive innovations.

Roborace powered by Nvidia

Nvidia, a leader in graphics processing technology, has made a notable entry into the automotive world with its Roborace driverless racing car. This competition, featuring identical cars powered by Nvidia’s Drive PX2 chip, emphasizes software supremacy rather than traditional driving skills. This venture exemplifies the growing intersection of technology and automotive industries, focusing on software and autonomous capabilities.

Google Firefly

Google’s automotive division, Waymo, has been a pioneer in developing driverless systems since 2009. The Firefly, an autonomous pod without a steering wheel or pedals, became a symbol of this innovation. Despite being discontinued in 2017, Waymo’s commitment to advancing autonomous technology continues, using vehicles from various manufacturers as platforms for its systems. This approach showcases Google’s strategic focus on the underlying technology of autonomous vehicles rather than car manufacturing itself.

Michelin PLR

Michelin, primarily known for its tires, built the prototype PLR car in the 70s for tire testing. This unique vehicle, based on the Citroën DS and powered by two Chevrolet engines, featured a 10-wheel design and weighed over 20,000 pounds. Nicknamed ‘the centipede’, the PLR underscores Michelin’s commitment to innovative research and development in tire technology.

NASA 1

NASA’s Mars Rovers, designed for extraterrestrial exploration, are an excellent example of specialized vehicle engineering. These rovers, resembling high-tech all-terrain vehicles, are crucial for NASA’s planned manned missions to Mars in the 2030s. The design and functionality of these rovers represent the cutting-edge intersection of automotive engineering and space exploration.

Grumman LLV

The Grumman LLV, a light transport truck used by the United States Postal Service, is a prime example of specialized vehicle design for specific utility purposes. Built in the 90s by the aircraft producer Grumman, these trucks are still in service today, highlighting their durability and functional design tailored to the needs of postal services.

Samsung Digital Cockpit and XM3 Inspire

Samsung, another tech giant, showcased its automotive ambitions with the Digital Cockpit at the 2020 CES show. This concept highlighted Samsung’s vision for connected in-car entertainment and safety. Additionally, Samsung’s earlier automotive project, the XM3 Inspire, developed in partnership with Renault, demonstrates Samsung’s interest and capabilities in the automotive sector. These ventures reflect Samsung’s strategy of integrating its technological expertise into the automotive industry.