(Source-economist)
Detroit has a rich history of being the automotive hub of the United States. It was once known as the ‘Motor City’ because it is the birthplace of the automotive industry and home to big names like Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Dodge. It has seen ups and downs throughout history but is still the leading city in the automotive industry.
Detroit, Michigan has been ranked as one of the top cities for assembling, producing, and manufacturing automobiles in the past few years and shelters some of the best companies. If you are struggling to decide which company you should spend your money on, we have listed down the top 10 automotive companies in Detroit for you.
| Top 10 Automotive Companies In Detroit | Revenue |
| General Motors | $171.84 Billion |
| Demand Detroit | $1.9 Billion |
| American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc | $6.08 Billion |
| Urban Science | $26.8 Million |
| MSX International | 1.1 Billion |
| Detroit Manufacturing Systems | $7.0 Million |
| Bridgewater Interiors | $210.0 Million |
| Ray Laethem Motor Village | $8.6 Million |
| Actify | 5 Million |
| Ford Motor Company | $176.191 Billion |
1. General Motors
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1908
- Revenue – $171.84 Billion
Founded in 1908 by William Durant, General Motors is an American corporation that operates manufacturing, assembly plants, and distribution centers throughout the United States, Canada, and many more countries. Their major products are automobiles, trucks, automotive components, and engines. It is mainly known for manufacturing and owning four automobile brands, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
2. Demand Detroit
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1937
- Revenue – $1.9 Billion
Detroit or Demand Detroit is a subsidiary of ‘Daimler Truck North America’ and manufactures heavy-duty engines and chassis components for the on-highway and vocational commercial truck markets. Their product line includes engines, axles, transmissions, and a Virtual Technician service. It was once known as the ‘General Motors Diesel Division’ but in the late 1980s, Penske Corporation and General Motors made a joint venture and Detroit Diesel was created which we now know as Demand Detroit.
3. American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc.
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1994
- Revenue – $6.08 Billion
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AAM) is a manufacturer and supplier of driveline and metal-forming products for the automotive industry. Its major products include axles, driveshafts, power transfer units, transfer cases, constant velocity joints, PTU shafts and gears, wheel hubs, and spindles. The company’s products are used in light trucks, sport utility vehicles, passenger cars, and crossover and commercial vehicles. Their mission is to achieve profitable growth and increase shareholder value by designing, engineering, and manufacturing products that deliver and manage vehicle power – while providing customers the quiet, efficient creation of motion and enhanced vehicle performance and safety.
4. Urban Science
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1977
- Revenue – $26.8 Million
Urban Science is a business-solution company that supports the needs of the sales and marketing function of the automotive industry. They leverage a scientific methodology to help their clients sell more vehicles, improve profitability, and increase customer loyalty. And they do that by helping solve their toughest challenges including planning an optimal dealership network, improving individual dealer performance, and efficiently converting sales leads into sales. It was founded by a civil engineer, Jim Anderson in 1977.
5. MSX International
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1996
- Revenue – $1.1 Billion
MSX International is a private company that provides specialized technology-based services in Management Consulting and Business Support Services areas. It was founded in 1996 by merging two companies, MascoTech’s Services Group and APX International. Its offerings, designed to make businesses more efficient, cost-effective, and profitable, also include temporary and permanent staffing, executive search, career management, training, product engineering, and supply chain management.
6. Detroit Manufacturing Systems
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 2012
- Revenue – $7.0 Million
Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS) develops state-of-the-art automotive interior systems. It was founded in 2012 and was the first company to bring manufacturing jobs back to Detroit after 20 years. They manufacture and distribute automotive parts. These parts include horizontal speed forging presses and automated ring rolling mills, enabling automotive industries to use them in making vehicles.
7. Bridgewater Interiors
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1998
- Revenue – $210.0 Million
Bridgewater Interiors is a manufacturer and supplier of interior components. It Manufactures seat assembly, overhead assembly, and flex console assembly for automobiles. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of a wide range of seating systems for commercial vehicles online. It was founded in 1998 as a joint venture between Epsilon Technologies, a Detroit-based entrepreneurial partnership, and publicly traded Johnson Controls, Inc. to manufacture automotive seating systems for General Motors Corporation.
8. Ray Laethem Motor Village
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 2011
- Revenue – $8.6 Million
Ray Laethem Motor Village is an automotive dealership company. It sells pre-owned cars, vans, and other commercial vehicles. The company also provides spare parts and accessories, maintenance, finance, repairs, servicing, and more. It was formed by the collaboration of 2 dealerships and 6 brands – Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, and Ram in the summer of 2011.
9. Actify
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1996
- Revenue – 5 Million
It is a private company that focuses on delivering services that improve the way product data and product information are managed, and shared across the enterprise and throughout the development lifecycle This enables businesses to access a unified platform that significantly speeds up enterprise data access everywhere and overcomes the challenge of sharing engineering type data.
10. Ford Motor Company
- Headquarters – Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Founded in – 1903
- Revenue – $176.191B
Ford Motor Company is an automotive company in Detroit, that designs, manufactures, markets, and services a full line of cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, and electrified vehicles. The company provides vehicle-related financing and leasing services. Ford markets its products under the Ford and Lincoln brand names. It was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford.
Exploring Automotive Companies in Detroit
1. What is the significance of Detroit in the automotive industry?
Because of its pivotal role in the development and growth of the automotive companies in Detroit, the city is historically known as ‘Motor City’. It is home to major automobile manufacturers like Ford and General Motors and has a rich automotive heritage.
2. How has the automotive companies in Detroit been impacted by economic fluctuations?
The automotive industry in Detroit has faced many challenges including economic downturns, market shifts, and competition from foreign automakers. All these factors have influenced the production level, employment rates, and investment patterns within the region.
3. What initiatives are underway to foster innovation and sustainability in automotive companies in Detroit?
Efforts are being made through research and development collaborations, investments in electric and autonomous vehicle technology, and initiatives to reduce environmental impact and carbon emissions.
These were the top 10 automotive companies in Detroit you can spend your money on. Make sure to do your own research and gather information before you decide to invest in the top automotive companies in Detroit.
