Have you ever wondered how many car names there really are in the world? If you are going to buy a car, look for spare parts, or are simply interested in auto history, then you cannot do without knowing the exact names of the models. A single letter mistake in a search can cost you hours of wasted time—or even money when it comes to purchasing parts for a rare brand.

In this article we have collected the most complete directory of car names - from mass brands to exotic manufacturers, of which there are only a few copies left. You will learn how to correctly name cars for traffic police, customs or spare parts catalogs, and we’ll also sort out the confusion in names after rebrandings (for example, why Datsun became Nissan, and Daewoo — Ravon).

We will pay special attention little-known brands that still travel on the roads of the CIS, but are not mentioned in most reference books - for example, Zastava (Yugoslavia), Tatra (Czech Republic) or GAZ Volga Siber (export version for Europe). This knowledge will be useful when buying a used car or going through customs clearance.

1. How are car names classified: make vs model vs modification

Before diving into lists, it's important to understand hierarchy of names. A mistake here could result in you purchasing a part for the wrong car. For example, Toyota Corolla is a model, and Toyota Corolla E120 1.6 VVT-i - already a modification with a specific engine.

Let's look at an example Volkswagen Golf:

  • 🏭 Brand: Volkswagen - manufacturer.
  • 🚗 Model: Golf - a family of cars.
  • 🔧 Generation: Golf IV (or 1J according to internal VW classification).
  • ⚙️ Modification: Golf IV 1.8T Highline - with a specific engine and configuration.

Why is this important? Because spare parts for Golf IV and Golf V often incompatible, even if the machines are similar in appearance. And in the documents traffic police or PTS can only be specified Volkswagen Golf without clarification - this creates problems when searching for details.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia and the CIS countries there are often “folk” names of cars that do not coincide with the official ones. For example, "Zhiguli" instead of VAZ-2106 or "Loaf" instead of UAZ-452. Such names are not used in documents and spare parts catalogues!

2. Alphabetical list of all car brands in the world (A–Z)

Below is complete list of car brands, which have ever produced production cars. We included both existing factories and those that closed decades ago - their cars are still driving on the roads.

For convenience, we divide the list into two parts:

Letter Examples of stamps Country of origin Status (active/closed)
A Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aro (Romania), Asia Motors (Korea) Japan, Italy, Romania, South Korea Active / Closed (Aro, Asia Motors)
B BMW, Brilliance (China), Bentley, Bugatti Germany, China, UK, France Active
G GAS, ZiL, GolAZ (Golitsyno), ZiS Russia/USSR Operating (GAZ) / Closed (ZiS)
S Saab, Seat, Skoda, SsangYong, Suzuki Sweden, Spain, Czech Republic, South Korea, Japan Closed (Saab) / Active
I Java (motorcycles, but there were also microcars), Yo-mobile (Russia, project) Czech Republic, Russia Closed

The complete alphabetical list of 500+ stamps can be downloaded here (PDF, 1.2 MB). But for most tasks this shortened version will suffice. Please note rare brands, which are still found on the secondary market:

  • 🚘 Dacia (Romania) - budget cars, popular in Europe in the 90s.
  • 🚙 Perodua (Malaysia) - clones Daihatsu, sold in Asia.
  • 🚛 Tata (India) - cheap trucks and cars for developing countries.
  • 🏎️ Spyker (Netherlands) - exclusive sports cars, produced in limited editions.
📊 Which brand do you consider the most reliable?
Toyota
Mercedes-Benz
Volkswagen
KIA/Hyundai
Other

3. Names of Soviet and Russian cars: from “Pobeda” to “Aurus”

Cars produced in the USSR and modern Russia have their own unique naming system. It is important to understand here model indices, since abbreviations are often used in colloquial speech:

  • 📌 GAZ-M20 "Pobeda" — the first post-war passenger car of the USSR (1946–1958).
  • 📌 ZIL-111 — government limousine, “Soviet Cadillac.”
  • 📌 VAZ-2101 “Kopeyka” — licensed Fiat 124.
  • 📌 UAZ-469 - the legendary army SUV, the ancestor of the Hunter.

Modern Russian brands:

  • 🚗 Lada (former VAZ) — Granta, Vesta, Niva Travel.
  • 🚙 UAZ — Patriot, Pickup, Hunter.
  • 🚛 GAS — Gazelle Next, Sobol, Valdai.
  • 🏙️ Aurus — premium sedans and limousines for officials (Senat, Arsenal).

Feature of Russian cars - double titles. For example, Lada 4x4 - this is the same VAZ-2121 "Niva", and GAZ-31105 - restyled Volga. The documents may indicate any of these names, which complicates the search for spare parts.

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When purchasing spare parts for Soviet cars, always check not only the model, but also the year of manufacture - for example, VAZ-2106 1980 and 1995 may have different body parts.

4. Foreign cars with “Russian” names: why Datsun - this is Nissan

Many foreign brands have changed names due to rebranding, mergers or localization. This creates confusion, especially when searching for spare parts. Let's look at the most common cases:

Old brand New brand Reason for change Model example
Datsun Nissan Mergers in the 1980s Datsun 240Z → Nissan Fairlady Z
Daewoo Ravon (Uzbekistan), Chevrolet (Europe) Daewoo bankruptcy in the 2000s Daewoo Nexia → Ravon Nexia R3
Opel (in Russia) Chevrolet (2015–2019) Opel's departure from the Russian market Opel Astra J → Chevrolet Astra
SsangYong Actyon, Korando (sold under model name) Change of marketing strategy SsangYong Actyon → just Actyon

Why is this important? Because in PTS or STS The old name may be indicated, but in the spare parts catalogs the new name may be indicated. For example, if you have Daewoo Matiz 2005, then look for parts under the brand Daewoo, not Ravon or Chevrolet.

⚠️ Attention: When clearing used cars from Japan through customs, problems with names often arise. For example, Toyota Altezza in Europe it was sold as Lexus IS. Any of these names may appear on documents!

5. How to correctly name a car in documents: PTS, STS, purchase and sale agreement

In official papers, the name of the car must correspond manufacturer's data and registration records. An error here can lead to problems when registering or selling. Let's look at the key rules:

  • 📄 B PTS and STS indicated full model name (for example, Hyundai Solaris 1.6 AT, not just Solaris).
  • 🔠 Used for foreign cars Latin transliteration (for example, Lada Vesta, not Lada Vesta).
  • 🔢 VIN code - the only reliable identifier. From it you can find out the exact model and equipment.
  • 📝 In the purchase and sale agreement, the name must match PTS. If it is indicated there Toyota Corolla E150and you write Toyota Corolla 2012, this may become a basis for declaring the transaction invalid.

An example of correct formatting:

Vehicle make and model: Volkswagen Passat B6 1.8 TSI

VIN: WVWZZZ3CZ8E123456


Year of manufacture: 2008

If there are discrepancies in the documents (for example, in PTS written Ford Focus, and in STS — Ford Focus II), they must be eliminated through traffic police prior to sale or registration activities.

Make sure that the make and model in the PTS and STS match|

Check the VIN code with the data in the documents |

Check the transliteration (for example, "Nissan" instead of "Nissan")|

Specify the model generation (for example, Volkswagen Golf IV, not just Golf) -->

6. Rare and exotic car names: what lies behind the abbreviations

Some cars have such unusual names that even experienced car owners do not always recognize them. Here are some examples:

  • 🤖 AMC Gremlin (USA) - a compact car from the 70s with a “chopped off” body.
  • 🚀 Tucker 48 (USA) - a revolutionary car from 1948 with a central headlight that rotates.
  • 🏗️ ZIL-130 (USSR) - a truck that is still used in the armies of some countries.
  • 🌍 Tata Nano (India) - the cheapest car in the world (price ~$2000).
  • 💎 Maybach Exelero (Germany) - a unique supercar worth 8 million dollars (produced in 1 copy).

Separate category - military and special vehicles, which sometimes end up on the civilian market:

  • 🛡️ Humvee (USA) - army SUV, prototype Hummer H1.
  • 🔥 BRDM-2 (USSR) - armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle.
  • 🚁 GAZ-66 - a legendary army truck that still drives off-road.

If you come across such a machine, check it legality. Many special vehicles cannot be transferred to an individual without permission from the military departments.

What is a "barn find"?

This is a term for rare cars found in abandoned garages or barns ("barn"). These cars are often restored and sold at auction for millions. For example, in 2021 Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 was found in France and sold for $70 million.

7. Names of electric vehicles: why Tesla Model 3 does not have the usual “annual” designation

Electric vehicles often have a non-standard naming system. For example, Tesla abandoned traditional “generations” (as Golf IV, Golf V) and uses digital indices (Model S, Model 3, Model X). This creates confusion when searching for spare parts or determining the year of manufacture.

Let's look at the main brands:

  • ⚡ Tesla: Model S (sedan), Model X (crossover), Cybertruck (pickup truck).
  • 🔋 NIO (China): ES6, ET7 — letters indicate the body type (S — SUV, T — sedan).
  • 🌱 BYD (China): Han, Tang - the names are taken from the Chinese dynasty.
  • 🚗 Renault: Zoe, Megane E-Tech - prefix E-Tech denotes electric version.

Features of electric vehicles - Over the air (OTA) updates. For example, Tesla Model 3 2018 and 2022 are identical in appearance, but have different software and equipment. When buying a used electric car, be sure to check:

  • Firmware version (for example, 2023.32.10).
  • Battery condition (capacity in kWh).
  • Battery warranty available.
⚠️ Attention: In Russia, until 2022, electric cars were often registered as “experimental vehicles” due to lack of certification. Before purchasing, check whether such a car can be registered in 2026!

8. How to find out the exact name of your car: step-by-step instructions

If you are not sure about the name of your car, follow this algorithm:

  1. 🔍 Look at PTS or STS — the official name of the model is indicated there.
  2. 🔢 Check the VIN code through services like Vinform or Autocode. He will decode the exact model and equipment.
  3. 📱 Use mobile apps:
    • Car Scanner ELM OBD2 — will show the model using the diagnostic connector.
    • AutoDNA — identifies a car from a photo.
  • 🔧 Check the spare parts catalogs:

    If the car is rare or antique, contact owners clubs. For example, for ZiM or Victory There are thematic forums where they will help you identify the model by photo or body number.

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    The most reliable way to find out the exact model is to decode the VIN code. It contains information about the year of manufacture, manufacturer and configuration.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about car names

    ❓ Why does the documents for my car indicate Chevrolet Lacetti, and on the hood it says Daewoo?

    This is a consequence of the rebranding. Daewoo Lacetti after the bankruptcy of the Korean company, it began to be sold under the brand Chevrolet in Russia and Europe. The documents indicate the name current at the time of registration, but the old emblem may remain on the body. Search for spare parts by VIN code, and not by the name on the hood.

    ❓ How to correctly write the name of a car in a sales ad: Toyota Camry or Toyota Camry?

    In official documents and spare parts catalogs it is used Latin transliteration (Toyota Camry). However, in advertisements on Avito or Drome you can duplicate the name in Russian (Toyota Camry) to make it easier for buyers to find your item. The main thing is to indicate only the official name in the sales contract.

    ❓ What do the letters and numbers mean in the names of Mercedes-Benz (for example, E200, S500)?

    U Mercedes-Benz There is a clear notation system:

    • Letter — car class (E — business sedan, S - representative, G - SUV).
    • Numbers - engine volume (for example, 200 ≈ 2.0 l) or power (in new models, for example, E400 ≈ 400 hp).
    • Additional indexes:
      • 4Matic — four-wheel drive.
      • AMG - sports version.
      • d — diesel engine.

    Example: Mercedes-Benz E200 4Matic — a business sedan with a 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive.

    ❓ Is it possible to determine the year of manufacture by the name of the model?

    No, model name not always tied to the year. For example, Volkswagen Golf IV was produced from 1997 to 2003, and Toyota Corolla E120 - from 2000 to 2007. To find out the exact year, you need VIN code or data from PTS.

    ❓ What to do if there is an error in the model name in the PTS?

    Error in PTS needs to be fixed via traffic police. To do this you will need:

    1. Application addressed to the head of the department.
    2. Documents confirming the correct name (for example, a service book or data from the factory).
    3. Vehicle inspection report.

    Without correcting the error, problems may arise when selling or registering.