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The Most Famous Cars from Europe

Ahead of the Euro 2024, we’re exploring each nation’s most famous car.

The Most Famous Cars from Europe

Daisy Cliff

Published: 07 June 2024

Updated: 07 June 2024

Read time: 5 minutes

Euro 2024 is approaching! 24 European teams will compete for the coveted title, with the first matches kicking off on Friday 14th June and ending with the final in Berlin on Sunday 14th July.

Before the fun begins, let’s take a detour and explore the most iconic cars and manufacturers from each competing nation, seeing how they shape up off the pitch, taking each group in turn…

Group A

Group A not only brings football excitement but also showcases Europe’s automotive heritage.

Starting strong with Germany, famous for the BMW Series 1, Audi R8, Mercedes Benz C-Class and more. After setting high standards and capturing the public's hearts these German cars are a known favourite, not forgetting their best-selling Volkswagen Golf, a hatchback icon since 1974 and one of Europe’s best-selling cars.

Hungary offers reliable Suzuki models like the Vitara, while Switzerland’s Monteverdi stands out for its luxury and innovation. Not forgetting Scotland, known for the classic Hillman Imp, adding a touch of vintage charm to the group.

Blue Volkswagen Golf parked on the side of a road
SEAT Leon Cupra parked on a road

Group B

 Group B sure promises good football and cars!

Spain shines with the stylish SEAT Ibiza and SEAT Leon Cupra, embodying Spanish design and performance.

Croatia, are a powerhouse in the automotive industry as they have introduced the new groundbreaking Rimac Nevera into the market. Italy proudly presents the iconic Ferrari F40, a symbol of speed and luxury, making it one of the best sports cars in Europe.

Finally for Group B, Albania, with the impressive Illyrian TSX Supercar, showcasing their ambition and expertise in the industry.

Group C

In Group C, Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, and England each bring unique strengths to the tournament. While football dominates this group, we can’t not mention England’s contribution to the Aston Martin DB 5. In 2023, the Aston Martin DB 5 turned 60 years old! This legendary car featured several design, technical, and equipment changes when it was first manufactured in 1963 after creating the before DB 4. A major development to the engine proved to deliver more power to the DB 5 a positive for many.

Aston Martin DB 5 parked on the top of a hill
Porsche 356 parked up on the road

Group D

Group D features a mix of football talent and automotive heritage from the Netherlands, France, Poland, and Austria.

The Netherlands is renowned for DAF Trucks, a leader in commercial vehicle manufacturing, who also produced a passenger car in 1958.

France’s legendary Citroen 2CV was designed to carry up to four people and 50kg of luggage across rough terrain, with a rumour of it being tested to carry eggs unbroken across a ploughed field!

On to Poland a major producer of light vehicles in Central and Eastern Europe, known for hosting manufacturing hubs for top German manufacturer Volkswagen. Austria also made history with the Porsche 356. This car featured a 1.1-litre, air-cooler, four-cylinder engine from the Volkswagen Beetle and a distinctive two-part windscreen which was replaced with a single windscreen in 1952.

Group E

Group E features Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, and Romania.

In Ukraine, the car market is significantly influenced by global brands like Toyota and Renault.

Slovakia is a major manufacturing hub, home to production plants for Volkswagen and Kia making it a key part of the European car industry.

Belgium also boasts a rich automotive history with Audi having a significant production facility alongside a rapidly growing market for electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, Romania stands proud as the home of Dacia who have recently won numerous awards for the Sandero.

Audi parked up
Kia EV6 parked on a hill

Group F

As we reach the end of the Groups, we are finishing on a high in Group F with Portugal, Czech Republic, Georgia, and Turkey. Portugal isn’t a manufacturing giant; however, they are making big waves in the electric vehicle sector, aligning with global automotive trends.

Kia is expanding their presence in Portugal with the EV6 and Niro. The Czech Republic however is the home of Skoda, with models like the Fabia and Octavia winning numerous awards for their quality.

Georgia’s automotive industry is steadily growing while Turkey remains a significant player in car production with brands like TOGG leading the charge into the electric vehicle market.

We've journeyed through each group, highlighting iconic vehicles and milestones that define the automotive landscape  of the countries in the Euros. Germany's BMW and Volkswagen, Spain's SEAT, Italy's Ferrari, and many more. Whether you're a football fan, a car enthusiast, or both, Euro 2024 has a blend of Europe's best sporting and automotive talents.

Get in touch today if you've found you're dream vehicle or for those tempted by Italy's automotive excellence, check out the link for more details on Ferrari. 

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