Five Cars That Rescued Troubled Automakers from Ruin

Over the past several decades, the automotive industry has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with many major brands facing financial troubles and the threat of bankruptcy. However, some iconic models have managed to single-handedly rescue these struggling companies and put them back on the path to success.

One such example is the Peugeot 205, a small car that saved the French brand from near-collapse in the 1980s. Peugeot was saddled with debt and on the brink of bankruptcy when the 205 debuted in 1983, becoming an immediate sales hit thanks to its modern design, wide range of engines, and clever marketing. The 205 went on to sell nearly 5.3 million units and allowed Peugeot to expand its entire lineup.

Similarly, the Porsche Boxster roadster revived the German luxury brand's fortunes in the 1990s when its model lineup had grown stale and outdated. The more affordable Boxster, which shared parts with the 911, helped Porsche become profitable again and sold over 55,000 units in its first three years.

Aston Martin also found salvation in the DB7 model, which arrived in 1994 and became an instant sales success, helping the British marque transition from building just 10,000 cars in its lifetime to nearly doubling that figure in a single decade.

The Bentley Continental GT, launched in 2004, was another game-changer, boosting the brand's annual sales from under 1,000 to over 6,500 in its first year on the market. The Continental GT's blend of hand-crafted luxury and high-performance helped cement Bentley's revival under Volkswagen's ownership.

Most recently, the Nissan Qashqai crossover saved the Japanese automaker from financial ruin in the 2000s, sparking Europe's love affair with SUVs and becoming one of Nissan's best-selling models of all time.