Surprising Products Made by Automobile Manufacturers That Aren't Cars

Car manufacturers like Honda, Volkswagen and others are famous for making iconic vehicles, but their product lines stretch beyond the road. Over the years, they've explored surprising new product lines, from motorcycles and lawnmowers to even lifestyle products. For instance, Honda, known for its cars and motorcycles, has expanded into lawnmowers and generators, while Mitsubishi has experimented with everything from Air Conditioner to aircraft,. Some of these projects have been successful, while others have faded away. Yet, they all reflect the adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit of these automotive giants. Let's look at 5 of the most surprising non-car creations from the automotive world.

Volkswagen

You might be surprised to learn that Volkswagen's best-selling product isn't a car. In fact, it's sausages! The German automaker has been producing nearly 18,000 sausages every day since the 1970s. The recipe, developed in 1973, was initially intended for employees at a remote plant. However, these sausages proved so popular that they eventually made their way onto the shelves of German supermarkets.

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In August 2021, Volkswagen made a significant change to its company canteens. The automaker announced it was replacing pork-based products with a vegetarian alternative

Lamborghini

Lamborghini, now synonymous with high-performance supercars, has a surprising history rooted in agriculture. In the 1940s, the company began producing tractors in Italy. These reliable machines helped farmers in the region. While Lamborghini is now known for its luxurious sports cars, its agricultural roots remain a testament to its versatility and adaptability.

Bugatti 

Bugatti, famous for its luxury sports cars, has recently entered the electric scooter market. This unexpected move is surprising given the brand’s association with high-end performance.

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It’s hard to picture a Bugatti Chiron owner using an electric scooter for their daily commute, but this new direction might hint at a larger trend in the automotive industry.

Honda

Honda is well-known for its cars and motorcycles, especially for its innovative VTEC technology. However, many people may be surprised to learn that the company also manufactures small business jets. The HondaJet HA-420 can accommodate four to six passengers, along with a crew of two.

Toyota

Toyota, originally known for its automobile manufacturing, has ventured into various other industries. Over 50 years ago, the company started with smaller products like window frames and has since expanded to become a major player in the Japanese real estate market. In addition to building houses, Toyota has been producing boats for decades. While these might seem like unexpected ventures, they are not entirely surprising considering the company's origins as a loom maker and its early involvement in manufacturing sewing machines.

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