FX.co ★ Top 5 iconic defunct car brands

Trabant

This legendary car originated in East Germany (GDR). It was designed to be an affordable yet reliable compact car based on the Auto Union model. The first Trabants rolled off the assembly line in 1957. These vehicles featured a two-stroke engine, a legacy of the DKW brand. The production of these popular compact cars was halted in 1991 as they could not compete with more modern models.

Simca

In 1935, the global automotive industry welcomed French brand Simca. It was founded by legendary company Fiat. Subsequently, Italian car manufacturers used the Simca brand for the licensed production of their cars in France. The company also acquired Franco-British brand Talbot. Simca models lingered on until the 1980s before being axed. Later, Talbot cars based on this model were produced until 1986, but they also faded into history.

Rover

This legendary brand dates back to 1904. It was a pioneer in creating and improving two-wheel technology. The renowned British car manufacturer is credited with numerous innovative lines, including the popular Land Rover SUVs. Notably, the Rover 2000 model was named "Car of the Year" in 1964. According to experts, numerous mergers and acquisitions led to the company's downfall. In the 1980s, the conglomerate was doing quite well, but then its rival, BMW, acquired the company along with the Mini and Land Rover brands. As a result, the automaker went bankrupt in 2005 and its assets were purchased by Chinese manufacturers.

NSU

The NSU car company, which began its journey in 1932, remains in the annals of history. Before producing passenger cars, the company specialized in manufacturing knitting machines, bicycles, and motorcycles. In 1958, the conglomerate resumed production of passenger cars. In 1967, the legendary Ro 80 sedan with a rotary piston engine went into mass production. This was the last model to bear the NSU name. In 1969, the company became part of German-based Volkswagen Group and merged with Auto Union. Subsequently, the automaker changed its name to Audi NSU Auto Union AG. This merger resulted in the well-known Audi brand.

Borgward

Borgward rounds out the list of the top 5 iconic car brands that vanished from the market. Founded in 1929, this German company was a manufacturer of passenger cars. However, the brand could not compete with market leaders such as Opel and Volkswagen. In 1961, Borgward went bankrupt. In 2008, the company founder's grandson tried to revive the company but failed. Not even the innovative concepts that the company planned to release could save the situation. So the Borgward model became a part of history.