Germany Car Exports by Country and Brand: German Car Export Data 2024-25

Explore Germany's car export data for 2024-25, highlighting top export destinations, leading German car export brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, & key trends including EV growth and tariff impacts.

Germany Car Exports by Country and Brand: German Car Export Data 2024-25

In the world of automotive manufacturing, Germany has always been a powerhouse for producing high-quality and reliable vehicles. With brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen leading the way, German car exports have consistently been in demand in markets around the globe. According to Germany Export Data and Germany Car Export Data, the total value of German car exports reached $174.54 billion in 2024, marking a 2% decline from the previous year. In the first quarter of 2025, the total value of Germany's car exports exceeded $43 billion. Germany is the biggest car exporter in the world, as per the global trade data. This article will delve into the latest German car export data for the years 2024-25 and analyze which countries are the top importers of German cars, as well as which brands are the most popular. 

Germany Car Exports by Country

Germany Car Exports by Country: Top 10 German Car Export Destinations

Germany is known globally for its robust automotive industry, with German car exports reaching various countries around the world. In 2024, around 3.4 million new cars were exported from Germany, worth 135 billion euros. The number of cars exported rose by 2.5% compared to 2023. When it comes to value, there was a slight decrease of 1.3% in new car exports. 

The top 10 German car export destinations include countries like the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France, as per the German car export data. These countries are key consumers of German automotive products, showcasing the high quality and engineering excellence of German-made cars. The top 10 German car export partners in 2024-25, as per Germany export shipment data and Germany car exports by country, include:

  1. USA: $27.21 billion (15.6%)

The United States has consistently been one of the largest importers of German-made cars, with a significant portion of Germany's car exports heading to American shores. German car brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen have a strong presence in the US market, making it a lucrative destination for German car exports, as per the data on Germany car exports to the USA.

  1. United Kingdom: $15.23 billion (8.7%)

The United Kingdom is another key market for German car exports, with a sizable share of Germany's automotive products being shipped to the UK, as per the trade data on Germany car exports to United Kingdom. Despite the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, Germany continues to enjoy strong trade relations with the UK, further boosting its car export numbers.

  1. China: $11.84 billion (6.8%)

China's growing appetite for luxury vehicles has made it a crucial market for German car exports. With a booming middle class and an increasing demand for high-end cars, China has become a major destination for German car manufacturers looking to expand their global footprint.

  1. France: $11.34 billion (6.5%)

France is a significant market for German car exports, with a substantial number of cars being shipped across the border each year. The proximity between the two countries and the strong economic ties have facilitated a robust trading relationship, with German car brands enjoying a solid reputation in the French market.

  1. Italy: $10.45 billion (6%)

Italy stands out as one of the top destinations for German car exports, with a considerable share of Germany's automotive products being sold in the Italian market. The Italian love for high-quality, luxury vehicles has created a strong demand for German cars, further solidifying Italy's position as a key export destination.

  1. Netherlands: $9.50 billion (5.4%)

The Netherlands has emerged as a significant market for German car exports, with a considerable number of cars being shipped to Dutch consumers. The well-developed infrastructure and high purchasing power of Dutch buyers have made it an attractive destination for German car manufacturers looking to expand their market reach.

  1. Belgium: $7.68 billion (4.4%)

Belgium represents another important market for German car exports, with a notable share of Germany's automotive products finding their way to Belgian buyers. The strong trade relations between the two countries and the high demand for German cars in Belgium have contributed to Germany's continued success in the Belgian market.

  1. Poland: $6.38 billion (3.7%)

Despite being a smaller market compared to other European countries, Poland has emerged as a key destination for German car exports. The growing economy and increasing disposable income of Polish consumers have created a favorable market for German car manufacturers, leading to a steady influx of cars into the country.

  1. Spain: $6.02 billion (3.5%)

Spain is another significant market for German car exports, with a substantial number of cars being sold to Spanish consumers each year. The strong demand for German cars in Spain, coupled with the country's strategic location in the European market, has made it a valuable export destination for Germany's automotive industry.

  1. South Korea: $5.79 billion (3.3%)

South Korea rounds out the top 10 list of German car export destinations, with a growing number of German cars making their way into the Korean market. The rising popularity of German car brands among Korean consumers has fueled Germany's success in South Korea, further cementing the country's position as a key export destination.

Top 10 German Car Export Brands: Germany Car Exports by Brand

Germany is renowned for its top-notch automotive industry, with several German car brands dominating the global market. Some of the leading German car export brands include Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche. These top-tier manufacturers consistently contribute to Germany's strong car export industry, with their innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional quality. The leading German car brands that export the most cars globally, as per the Germany car exports by brand and Germany car export statistics for 2024-25, include: 

Rank

Brand

Approx. Export Value (2024–25)

Global Revenue (2024)

Key Export Markets

1

Volkswagen

$140 billion

$348 billion

USA, China, UK, Brazil

2

Mercedes-Benz

$100 billion

$170 billion

USA, China, UK, South Korea

3

BMW

$95 billion

$168 billion

USA, China, Japan, UK

4

Audi

$50 billion

$75 billion

USA, China, UK, South Korea

5

Porsche

$45 billion

$55 billion

USA, China, Europe

6

Opel

$12 billion

$14 billion

UK, France, Italy, Spain

7

MAN

$9 billion

$11 billion

Europe, Asia, Latin America

8

Smart

$7 billion

$9 billion

Europe, China

9

SEAT

$5 billion

$6 billion

Europe, Latin America

10

Borgward

$1 billion

$1.5 billion

Asia, Middle East (limited)

 

Insights

  • Volkswagen Group's global revenue in 2024 exceeded $348 billion, 40% attributed to exports from Germany.
  • BMW and Mercedes-Benz both export 70–80% of their production from Germany.
  • Porsche has high per-unit value exports, especially to North America and Asia.
  • Lower-tier brands like Opel, Smart, SEAT, and MAN have niche or regional strengths.

List of Top Car Exporting Companies in Germany 

Germany Car Exporters list showcases some of the most renowned automotive exporters in the country. These companies have built a strong reputation for their quality products and export services, making them key players in the global automotive market. The top 10 German car exporters, as per the Germany car exporters and Germany car suppliers list for 2024-25, include: 

Rank

Company Name

Major Brands

Approx. Export Value (2024–25)

1

Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda

$250–270 billion

2

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Mercedes-Benz, Smart

$90–100 billion

3

BMW AG

BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce

$90–95 billion

4

Audi AG

Audi

$45–50 billion

5

Porsche AG

Porsche

$40–45 billion

6

Opel Automobile GmbH

Opel

$10–12 billion

7

MAN Truck & Bus SE

MAN

$7–9 billion

8

SEAT S.A.

SEAT, Cupra

$6–7 billion

9

Smart Automobile Co., Ltd.

Smart

$4–5 billion

10

Borgward Group AG

Borgward

< $1 billion

Key Insights

  • Volkswagen AG is by far the largest car exporter in Germany, with multiple global brands under its umbrella.
  • Mercedes-Benz and BMW are strong luxury and high-volume exporters.
  • Audi and Porsche, though technically part of VW Group, also operate with significant independence and export volume.
  • Commercial vehicle players like MAN contribute to export diversity, especially in trucks and buses.

Germany Car Exports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly German Car Export Data

Year of Exports

Germany Car Export Value ($)

2014

$160.31 billion

2015

$152.93 billion

2016

$152.22 billion

2017

$157.03 billion

2018

$155.03 billion

2019

$143.43 billion

2020

$122.85 billion

2021

$139.82 billion

2022

$155.96 billion

2023

$178.15 billion

2024

$174.54 billion

2025 quarter 1

$43.18 billion

 

Additional Insights on Top Exported German Car Brands

Brand

Key Export Models

Notes

Volkswagen

Tiguan, ID.4

Tiguan is a popular export model.

BMW

3 Series, X5

Strong presence in the premium segment.

Mercedes-Benz

C-Class, GLC

GLC production expanded in Alabama.

Audi

Q5, A4

Q5 is produced in Mexico for export.

Porsche

911, Cayenne

All models exported; 76,000 units sold in the U.S. in 2024.

 

Germany Car Export Trends

  • Shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs): German automakers are increasing EV production to meet global demand.
  • Production Localization: To mitigate tariff impacts, companies like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are expanding production in the U.S.
  • Supply Chain Adjustments: Manufacturers are exploring alternative sourcing and production strategies to address tariff challenges.

Tariffs and Trade Barriers on German Car Exports 

  • U.S. Tariffs: The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars, significantly impacting German automakers.
    • Porsche and Mercedes-Benz face a combined potential loss of $3.7 billion due to these tariffs.
    • BMW anticipates a $1 billion hit from tariffs and declining demand.
  • Mexican Production Affected: German automakers producing vehicles in Mexico for the U.S. market are also impacted by tariffs on Mexican imports.

German Carmakers & Exporters Seek U.S. Trade Deal: Key Updates

  • BMW, Mercedes-Benz, & Volkswagen are in talks with US officials for a tariff relief deal in exchange for new US investments.
  • The deal for German carmakers may involve balancing imports and exports, targeting finalization by early July.
  • BMW, with a major plant in South Carolina, says it doesn't need a special deal.
  • Mercedes may expand its Alabama SUV production to mitigate risks.
  • Volkswagen likely avoids tariffs by complying with USMCA rules.
  • New tariffs could reduce BMW’s EBIT by €400 million.

German Car Export Data 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, the German car export industry is projected to increase its growth trajectory. Experts predict a 7% increase in exports, with the US remaining the top importer of German cars. The demand for electric vehicles is also expected to drive export numbers, as German automakers continue to invest in eco-friendly technology.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive outlook for German car exports, there are several challenges that the industry faces. Global trade tensions, fluctuating exchange rates, and supply chain disruptions are all factors that could impact export numbers. However, there are also growth opportunities, particularly in emerging markets and the electric vehicle sector.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, German car exports remain a crucial driver of the country's economy, with a robust demand for German vehicles worldwide. With brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen at the forefront, Germany is well-positioned to retain its status as a global leader in automotive manufacturing. By monitoring market trends and investing in innovation, the future looks promising for German car exports in the coming years.

With the German car export market taking new strides, we hope that you liked our insightful blog report on Germany car exports 2024-25. Visit TradeImeX for more such market trends and access the latest Germany import-export data. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to get a customized database report on global trade.

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