Surprising Products Made by Automakers

Automakers like Honda and Volkswagen are known for making iconic cars, but their product lines aren’t limited to the road. Over the years, they’ve explored surprising new product lines, from motorcycles and lawn mowers to lifestyle products. For example, Honda, known for its cars and motorcycles, has expanded into lawn mowers and generators, while Mitsubishi has tried its hand at everything from air conditioners to airplanes. Some of these projects have been successful, while others have faded away. However, they all reflect the risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit of these automotive giants. Let’s take a look at 5 of the most surprising non-car ideas in the automotive world.

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You might be surprised to know that Volkswagen’s best-selling product isn’t its cars. In fact, it’s its sausages! Since the 1970s, the German car manufacturer has produced nearly 18,000 sausages a day. The recipe for the sausages was developed in 1973 and was originally prepared for employees at a remote factory. However, the sausages were so popular that they eventually made their way to the shelves of German supermarkets.

Also read: Volkswagen Virtus topped the segment in sales in July 2024, outselling Verna and Slavia

In August 2021, Volkswagen made a major overhaul of its company cafeteria. The automaker announced that it would replace pork products with vegetarian options.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini is now synonymous with high-performance supercars, but its roots in agriculture are surprising. In the 1940s, the company began producing tractors in Italy. These reliable machines helped local farmers. While Lamborghini is now known for its luxury sports cars, its agricultural roots still prove its versatility and adaptability.

Bugatti

Bugatti, best known for its luxury sports cars, recently entered the electric scooter market. The unexpected move was surprising given the brand’s association with high-end performance.

Also read: Bugatti Tourbillon, Chiron successor, with 1,775-horsepower V16 engine and stunning dashboard

It’s hard to imagine Bugatti Chiron owners using electric scooters for their daily commute, but this new direction could hint at a larger trend in the automotive industry.

Honda

Honda is well known for its cars and motorcycles, especially its innovative VTEC technology. However, many people might be surprised to learn that the company also produces small business jets. The HondaJet HA-420 can accommodate 4 to 6 passengers and 2 crew members.

Toyota

Originally known for its automobile manufacturing, Toyota has branched out into a variety of other industries. The company started out more than 50 years ago with small products like window frames and has since grown to become a major player in Japan’s real estate market. In addition to building houses, Toyota has been producing boats for decades. While these investments may seem unexpected, they are not entirely surprising considering the company’s origins as a loom manufacturer and its early forays into sewing machine manufacturing.

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