Global 500

Volkswagen Group sold 6.3 million cars in 2009 -- more than ever before. But margins were skimpy, as Audi contributed nearly all the profit; the volume brands -- Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda -- barely broke even.

VW continues its aggressive expansion in 2010, opening a U.S. plant in Tennessee. Adding overseas production hedges against a strong euro and dilutes the power of Wolfsburg’s powerful labor unions. Meanwhile, VW’s strong lineup of super-luxury brands -- Bentley, Lamborghini, and Buigatti -- are getting a big boost with the inclusion of full-year results for the first time from newly-acquired Porsche.

-- Alex Taylor