The automotive manufacturing industry in Europe is a cornerstone of the continent's economy, combining traditional practices with innovative technologies. Encompassing a mix of automakers, suppliers, and tech firms, it produces everything from electric vehicles to smart mobility solutions. As the sector transitions towards electrification and sustainable practices, companies are focusing on advancing vehicle technology and reducing carbon emissions. Notably, Europe hosts several key players that are rapidly adapting to market challenges, spurred by the demand for environmentally friendly transport options, highlighting its pivotal role in setting global automotive trends.


The list features 14 prominent investors in the automotive manufacturing sector located across Europe. These investors, ranging from private equity to corporate entities, come from key hubs such as Amsterdam, London, and Stockholm. Established between 1886 and 2021, they collectively engaged in 425 deals in 2024, indicative of their active participation in shaping the industry’s future. With varying sizes, these firms show a strong commitment to funding innovation in automotive technology and sustainable practices that resonate across the continent.


Top 14 Automotive Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In the automotive manufacturing context, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of Exoès, a company specializing in consulting and engineering services for cooling systems in electric batteries for the automotive industry. They have also supported Verkor, a start-up focused on low-carbon batteries for electric vehicles, which raised substantial funding for its gigafactory project. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in the automotive sector, particularly in the transition towards electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.


2. Advanced Propulsion Centre UK


The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APCUK) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2013, located in Coventry, England. It is dedicated to supporting the automotive industry in its transition to net-zero technologies by providing funding, business support, and collaborative opportunities for organizations focused on innovative automotive solutions. APCUK has been involved in several significant transactions, primarily in the form of grants to key players in the automotive sector. Notable transactions include grants to JATCO Ltd, BorgWarner, BMW UK, Jaguar Land Rover North America, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK). These grants, aimed at fostering advancements in electrification and sustainability, highlight APCUK's commitment to driving innovation within the automotive manufacturing industry.


3. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB has been particularly active in the automotive manufacturing sector, participating in significant transactions such as a $459 million post-IPO debt raise for Volvo Cars, and multiple debt raises for Valeo totaling over $1.36 billion in recent years. Additionally, the EIB supported MAHLE with a $300 million post-IPO debt raise. These investments highlight the EIB's role in facilitating growth and innovation within the automotive industry, particularly in the context of sustainable development and technological advancement.


4. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, part of Mutares SE & Co. KGaA, is a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition, providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Mutares has made significant strides in the automotive sector, with notable transactions such as the acquisition of Kirchhoff GmbH & Co. KG, a European automotive supplier, which was integrated into its Automotive & Mobility portfolio. Additionally, Mutares is set to acquire fischer automotive systems GmbH & Co. KG, further solidifying its commitment to the automotive industry. Other relevant acquisitions include LMS - Light Mobility Solutions and Nbhx Trim USA Corp, showcasing Mutares' strategic focus on enhancing its automotive investments and supporting innovation within the sector.


5. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to address the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the automotive manufacturing sector, including a $2.75 billion investment in Northvolt, which focuses on sustainable battery production for electric vehicles. Additionally, InnoEnergy has participated in funding rounds for Verkor, a French start-up specializing in low-carbon batteries, which is crucial for the electric vehicle market. These investments highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to supporting innovations that are essential for the automotive industry's shift towards electric mobility and sustainability.


6. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi participated in a funding round for RemotiveLabs, a Swedish autotech startup, which raised €900K in a pre-seed round in November 2022. This investment highlights Almi's engagement in the automotive sector, as RemotiveLabs focuses on developing technology for the automotive industry. Additionally, Almi has made several other investments across various sectors, but its involvement in automotive-related ventures positions it as a relevant player in the automotive manufacturing investment landscape.


7. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. It operates in the energy and chemicals sectors, providing essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to various industries globally. In recent years, Shell has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies that are relevant to the automotive sector. Notably, Shell Ventures led a $31 million Series A funding round in Ample, an electric car-charging startup, highlighting its commitment to supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Additionally, Shell has invested in other climate tech startups, such as DexMat, which aligns with the automotive industry's growing focus on sustainability and innovation. These transactions indicate that while Shell is not a direct automotive manufacturer, it is actively engaging with the automotive sector through strategic investments in technologies that support the industry's evolution.


8. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. In the automotive manufacturing context, EQT has made notable investments, including the acquisition of kfzteile24, a leading online retailer for vehicle parts and accessories, which highlights their engagement in the automotive supply chain. Additionally, EQT acquired TitanX Engine Cooling, a company focused on engine cooling solutions for vehicles, further emphasizing their commitment to the automotive sector. These transactions reflect EQT's strategic interest in enhancing their portfolio with automotive-related investments.


9. Volkswagen Group Investor Relations


Volkswagen Group Investor Relations, based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a leading corporate investor in the automotive manufacturing sector. Founded in 1937, the company operates through a multi-brand strategy, producing a wide range of vehicles, including electric vehicles and offering energy solutions. In recent years, Volkswagen has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its automotive capabilities, such as acquiring ItalDesign to bolster its design and engineering expertise. Additionally, the company has taken a significant step in the Chinese market by acquiring a 50% stake in Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group, aiming to strengthen its competitive position against rivals. Furthermore, Volkswagen's investment in Scout Motors, which plans to establish a $2 billion electric vehicle plant in South Carolina, highlights its commitment to the future of automotive manufacturing and electric mobility. These transactions underscore Volkswagen's active role in shaping the automotive industry.


10. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the automotive manufacturing sector, including a £4 million funding deal for Sertec Group, a car component manufacturer, aimed at supporting their European expansion. Additionally, BGF participated in a £20 million series-B funding round for Sertec Group Holdings, further emphasizing their commitment to the automotive industry. They also invested £1.5 million in VTL Group, a precision engineering firm that supplies components to Jaguar Land Rover, highlighting their involvement in critical supply chains within the automotive sector. Furthermore, BGF's £6 million investment in Prodrive Composites, a motorsport engineering company, showcases their engagement with innovative automotive technologies.


11. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that specializes in developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial solutions. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made several strategic acquisitions in the automotive manufacturing sector, including Sepab Fordonsprodukter AB, which specializes in automotive products, and Professional Parts Sweden AB, a key player in the automotive parts market. Additionally, their acquisition of Bailey Morris Ltd, a leading propshaft manufacturer, and Klokkerholm Karosseridele A/S, which provides body parts for vehicles, further solidifies their presence in the automotive industry. These transactions highlight Indutrade's focus on enhancing its capabilities and offerings within the automotive manufacturing space.


12. Continental Automotive Trading France SAS


Continental Automotive Trading France SAS is a corporate investor based in Rambouillet, Île-De-France, France, and is a subsidiary of Continental AG, which was founded in 2007. The company specializes in automotive and mobility solutions, offering a wide range of products including tires, automotive technologies, and safety systems designed to enhance vehicle performance and safety. Continental has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the automotive manufacturing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of ASL Vision, which specializes in 360-degree surround detection technology to enhance advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and Emitec, which focuses on exhaust-gas aftertreatment systems. Additionally, the acquisition of Siemens VDO Automotive AG for €11.4 billion further solidifies Continental's commitment to expanding its automotive technology portfolio. These transactions reflect Continental's strategy to innovate and lead in the automotive manufacturing industry, particularly in areas that promote sustainable and connected mobility.


13. Bosch

  • Website: bosch.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bosch

Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and technology company based in Birenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded in 1886, Bosch offers a diverse range of products and services across mobility, consumer goods, industrial technology, and energy solutions. As a corporate investor, Bosch is heavily involved in the automotive sector, providing innovative technology solutions to automotive manufacturers. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Evergrande hofer powertrain GmbH, which focuses on electric drive units, and eesy-ic GmbH, enhancing their semiconductor activities for the automotive market. Additionally, Bosch acquired the Unipoint Group, a major manufacturer of automotive components, further emphasizing their commitment to the automotive industry. With a focus on sustainability and quality of life, Bosch continues to play a pivotal role in advancing automotive technology.


14. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions in the automotive manufacturing sector, 3i Group acquired Formel D GmbH in May 2017, a company that offers services to automotive manufacturers, enhancing their operational capabilities. Additionally, in May 2011, they acquired a majority stake in Hilite International, a US automotive company focused on fuel efficiency and emissions control technologies. These investments highlight 3i Group's active role in the automotive industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.



Automotive Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Advanced Propulsion Centre UKCoventry, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020131
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Volkswagen Group Investor RelationsWolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany10001+19371
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
Continental Automotive Trading France SASRambouillet, Île-De-France, France51-20020073
BoschBirenbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18865
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453


Want to find more investors focusing on the automotive manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the automotive manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!