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10 Cars That Aren’t Made Where You’d Expect

Jimmy Adell June 4, 2025

When we think of iconic car brands, we often associate them closely with their country of origin: German engineering, American muscle, Japanese reliability, and so forth. Yet, in today’s era of globalized automotive manufacturing, the reality can surprise even the most informed car enthusiast. Many popular vehicles roll off assembly lines in locations far removed from the brands’ original homelands, driven by economic factors, logistics, and international partnerships. Join us as we uncover ten unexpected examples of beloved cars produced in countries you might never have guessed, revealing how truly international modern car manufacturing has become.

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1. BMW X Series – United States

BMW, a brand synonymous with German precision, actually produces its popular X Series SUVs far from its Bavarian roots—in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Since opening in 1994, BMW’s Spartanburg plant has grown into one of the company’s primary global production facilities, strategically positioned to cater to the booming demand for SUVs in the American market. Manufacturing locally allows BMW to reduce shipping costs, shorten delivery times, and navigate international tariffs more effectively. Today, Spartanburg is one of BMW’s largest factories worldwide, exporting SUVs like the X3, X5, and X7 to over 120 countries. Learn more about BMW’s U.S. manufacturing operations on their official site.

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2. Honda Civic – United Kingdom

Generate Me Vibrant Honda Civic — Image source: motor-junkie

While Honda is famously Japanese, many drivers are surprised to learn that their beloved Civic has been rolling off assembly lines in Swindon, England, for decades. Established in 1985, Honda’s Swindon plant became a pivotal European hub, producing various Civic generations tailored specifically for European markets. At its peak, Swindon employed thousands of workers and served as a cornerstone of Honda’s global manufacturing strategy. Though Honda announced its closure in 2021 amid shifting market conditions, the facility leaves behind a legacy as a significant chapter in Honda’s international story. Read more about the Swindon facility’s history from Autocar.

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3. Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Austria

Mercedes-Benz might epitomize German automotive luxury, but its rugged and iconic G-Class SUV is actually assembled in the scenic city of Graz, Austria. This distinctive vehicle, known for its boxy shape and off-road prowess, has been produced by automotive manufacturer Magna Steyr since its debut in 1979. Initially crafted as a military vehicle, the G-Class quickly evolved into a luxury SUV beloved by celebrities and adventurers alike. The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Magna Steyr has flourished for decades, highlighting Austria’s significant role in bringing this legendary SUV to global markets. Discover more about this unique collaboration at MotorTrend.

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4. Toyota Hilux – South Africa

Generate Me Vibrant Toyota Hilux — Image source: motor-junkie

Toyota’s legendary Hilux pickup—widely associated with Japanese durability—is actually manufactured in Durban, South Africa, serving both domestic and international markets. The Durban plant, operational since the 1970s, has grown into a critical manufacturing hub for Toyota’s global strategy, capitalizing on South Africa’s strategic geographic location and robust automotive infrastructure. Producing the rugged Hilux locally allows Toyota to efficiently serve the expanding African market, reduce logistical costs, and take advantage of favorable trade agreements. This South African facility highlights Toyota’s savvy approach to global manufacturing. Find out more about Hilux production from Engineering News.

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5. Audi Q7 – Slovakia

Audi, renowned worldwide for German luxury and innovation, surprisingly produces its prestigious Q7 SUV outside Germany—in Bratislava, Slovakia. Since 2005, the Volkswagen Group plant in Bratislava has been assembling this premium SUV alongside other high-end models, leveraging Slovakia’s skilled workforce, favorable production costs, and strategic proximity to key European markets. The Bratislava facility is renowned for its quality standards and advanced manufacturing technologies, making it an ideal choice for Audi to maintain its reputation for excellence. To dive deeper into Audi’s Slovakian manufacturing story, check out this insightful piece from Automotive News Europe.

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6. Jeep Renegade – Italy

Generate Me Vibrant Jeep Renegade(1) — Image source: motor-junkie

The Jeep brand is deeply intertwined with rugged American off-road heritage, but surprisingly, the compact Jeep Renegade originates from Fiat Chrysler’s modern facility in Melfi, Italy. Introduced in 2014, the Renegade symbolizes the collaboration between American Jeep styling and Fiat’s European engineering expertise. Manufacturing the Renegade in Italy enables Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) to utilize existing European infrastructure, streamline production efficiencies, and cater effectively to the European market’s growing appetite for compact SUVs. Explore more about how this unique partnership shaped Jeep’s global manufacturing strategy in this report from CNBC.

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7. Volkswagen Beetle – Mexico

While the Volkswagen Beetle is famously German in origin, many enthusiasts are surprised to learn that production of this iconic car shifted significantly to Puebla, Mexico. Beginning in 1967, Volkswagen’s Mexican plant became the global epicenter of Beetle manufacturing, driven by affordable labor, strategic proximity to North American markets, and favorable trade agreements. Over the decades, Puebla became synonymous with the Beetle, producing millions of units and extending the model’s lifespan long after European production ceased. The plant’s significance in automotive history remains profound. For more on the Beetle’s unique Mexican history, visit Hemmings Motor News.

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8. Ford EcoSport – India

Ford, a classic American automaker, surprised many when it chose Chennai, India, as the primary manufacturing hub for its compact SUV, the EcoSport. Introduced globally in 2013, the EcoSport’s production in India allowed Ford to significantly reduce manufacturing costs, leverage local talent, and efficiently access growing markets in Asia and beyond. Chennai’s strategic location, combined with India’s competitive labor costs and robust automotive supply chain, positioned Ford to offer the EcoSport at an attractive price point internationally. To better understand Ford’s strategic choice of Chennai for EcoSport production, check out this insightful analysis from Autocar India.

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9. Chevrolet Trailblazer – South Korea

When picturing Chevrolet, it’s natural to think of classic American vehicles rolling off U.S. assembly lines, yet the compact Trailblazer SUV is manufactured thousands of miles away—in South Korea. Produced at General Motors’ factories in Incheon and Bupyeong, the Trailblazer leverages South Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, cost-effective production, and strategic location for global exports. This decision aligns with GM’s broader international strategy to utilize existing global facilities efficiently, ensuring competitive pricing and rapid distribution to key markets, including North America. Learn more about Chevrolet’s global manufacturing decisions in this detailed report from Automotive News.

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10. Volvo S90 – China

Volvo is traditionally associated with Swedish design and engineering, yet its luxurious S90 sedan is primarily manufactured in Daqing, China. Since Chinese automotive giant Geely acquired Volvo in 2010, the brand has strategically expanded its manufacturing footprint in China, leveraging the country’s advanced production capabilities and proximity to the growing luxury vehicle market. Producing the S90 in Daqing allows Volvo to reduce costs and efficiently serve both local and international markets without compromising the premium quality the brand is known for. Explore more details about Volvo’s Chinese manufacturing operations in this comprehensive article from Reuters.

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Wrap-up

As we’ve discovered, the cars we drive often come from places we’d least expect. From BMW’s American-built SUVs to Volvo’s Chinese-crafted luxury sedans, today’s automotive landscape is truly global, reshaping our traditional assumptions about car origins. Brands leverage international manufacturing to optimize logistics, reduce costs, and better serve diverse markets worldwide. Next time you’re behind the wheel, consider the fascinating journey your vehicle may have taken before reaching your driveway. Curious about your own car’s manufacturing story? Dig deeper—you just might be surprised by what you find.

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