10 ways German cars rule the road

It's equal parts clarity, commitment, authenticity, and relevance -- and Germans are hip deep in it. Mercedes-Benz has been downsizing since the 1950s and has struck some wrong notes (Anybody remember a three-door hatchback from a few years back called the C230?) but nobody is confused about what a Mercedes is. Ditto Porsche, despite its detours into SUVs and sedans. All four marques rank among the world's top global brands -- the most from any single country.

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