Then and now: How these six iconic car brands first started out

From cork manufacturing to producing coffee grinders and automated looms, here are how some of our most well-known automakers began before eventually finding their way into the world of car manufacturing. 

Peugeot’s rich history stems from over 200 years ago where it began in 1810 as an industrial manufacturer in France. Peugeot produced a variety of steel products including everything from coffee grinders, saws and umbrella frames before turning to bicycles and eventually trying their luck at car manufacturing. The first Peugeot car, a steam-powered three-wheeler was produced in 1889 and was showcased at the World Fair in Paris (The same World Fair that introduced the world to the Eiffel Tower). Peugeot as it stands today is the second oldest car manufacturer in history and the oldest car brand that is still running!

Long before the world's biggest car manufacturer produced any vehicles, the company began in 1926 as ‘Toyoda Automatic Loom Works'. Sakichi Toyoda invented an advanced automatic loom that contained a system that turned the loom off when a problem occurred and it became well known not only in Japan but around the world. Nine years later, his son Kiichoro Toyoda founded his own car division that would become Toyota and the car manufacturer grew significantly larger over time. Did you know Toyota still builds and sells looms to this day!

20 years before Hyundai officially launched as Hyundai Motor Company, it began in 1947 as an engineering and construction firm following the post-war era in South Korea. Chung Ju-Yung, a determined entrepreneur founded Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, in an effort to assist in rebuilding and industrialising Korea following the destruction that occurred during World War II. However, the Korean War quickly hindered his business plans and he found a career with the Korean Ministry of Transportation. In 1968, a collaboration with Ford to manufacture the ‘Cortina’ was pivotal in coining the beginning of an inspiring journey to Hyundai as we know it today.

Founded by Jujiro Matsuda and originally known as ‘Toyo Kogyo’ during its beginnings in 1920, Mazda started its life as a cork manufacturer in Hiroshima, Japan. The company continued to expand its manufacturing into drilling equipment, lamps and small machinery. A decade later in 1931, work began on developing a tricycle truck and from this, the 'Mazda-go' was born, the first automobile for the company. This followed with a name change for the auto giant to Mazda, which remains iconic to this day.

Ferruccio Lamborghini's automotive journey began after World War II, when he founded his tractor factory, building tractors largely out of miscellaneous spare parts. Alongside this, he also expanded into other ventures including manufacturing heating and air conditioning systems and his businesses became extremely successful. His success and love for cars enabled him to purchase a Ferrari 250 GTO. When he discovered that the clutch of the Ferrari had frequent issues, his wealth and automotive knowledge sparked his interest in manufacturing cars of his own and his determination lead to the birth of ‘Automobili Lamborghini’.

First founded in 1870 by Yataro Iwasaki as a shipping company, in an effort to catch up with business in the West. Iwasaki built a strong relationship with the Japanese government and with their support and the success of the company, he was able to purchase multiple ships and Mitsubishi diversified very quickly. Mitsubishi quickly expanded into various other areas of manufacturing and commerce, before dipping its toes into car manufacturing and producing Japan’s first passenger car in 1917. Today, Mitsubishi is still widespread, with a huge group of companies and a significant market share globally.

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