Introduction: More Than Just Four Wheels
When we think of brands like Porsche, Ferrari, or Toyota, our minds immediately go to sleek silhouettes, roaring engines, and cutting-edge electric powertrains. However, the automotive industry is notorious for its 'side quests.' Whether it is a result of historical roots, branding exercises, or sheer engineering boredom, car makers have produced some of the most magnificently random items on the planet. As we head into 2025, these brand extensions are becoming even more elaborate, blurring the lines between transportation and lifestyle.
In this comprehensive guide, we are looking at 33 times car manufacturers decided that building cars simply wasn't enough. From the culinary world to aerospace, these are the weirdest, coolest, and most expensive things ever to bear a car company’s logo.
The Culinary and Household Oddities
1. Volkswagen Currywurst (Part No. 199 398 500 A)
Perhaps the most famous non-car product on this list, Volkswagen produces more sausages than it does cars. This pork sausage has been a staple of VW factory canteens since 1973 and is even sold in German supermarkets. It carries an official VW part number.2. Peugeot Salt and Pepper Grinders
Long before they made cars, Peugeot was a steel mill producing saws and tools. They patented their famous pepper grinding mechanism in 1842, and to this day, Peugeot mills remain the gold standard for chefs worldwide.3. Porsche Honey (Turbienchen)
At Porsche’s Leipzig factory, the company maintains a massive 132-hectare off-road area that is home to millions of honeybees. The honey, branded as 'Turbienchen,' is sold in the factory shop and is a favorite among collectors.4. Bentley Honey
Not to be outdone, Bentley also produces honey at its Crewe headquarters. Their 'Excellence' honey is harvested from hives on-site as part of their sustainability initiative.5. Toyota Sewing Machines
Toyota started as a textile company (Toyoda Automatic Loom Works). While the car division took over the world, the sewing machine division remained active for decades, producing high-end machines until very recently.6. Fiat SMEG Refrigerators
In a collaboration with SMEG, Fiat produced the 'SMEG 500,' a refrigerator built into the front end of a vintage Fiat 500. It is the ultimate piece of kitchen decor for any petrolhead.7. Mitsubishi Air Conditioners
In many parts of the world, you are more likely to find a Mitsubishi logo on your wall than in your driveway. Mitsubishi Electric is a powerhouse in the HVAC industry, separate from the car division but sharing the iconic three-diamond heritage.8. Audi Espresso Machine
The 'Audi Sport' espresso machine was designed to plug into a car's 12V socket, allowing drivers to brew a fresh shot of caffeine while parked at a rest stop.High-Tech and Industrial Engineering
9. The HondaJet
Honda isn't just about Civics and lawnmowers. The HondaJet is one of the most advanced light business jets in the world, featuring unique over-the-wing engine mounts.10. Lamborghini Tractors
This is a classic piece of automotive lore. Ferruccio Lamborghini was a successful tractor manufacturer before a spat with Enzo Ferrari inspired him to build supercars. You can still buy a brand-new Lamborghini tractor today through the SDF Group.11. Hyundai Wearable Robots
Hyundai’s robotics division is working on 'exoskeletons' designed to help factory workers lift heavy loads or assist people with paraplegia in walking again.12. Subaru Telescopes
Through its parent company, Subaru has deep ties to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. The Subaru Telescope in Hawaii is one of the most powerful in the world.13. BMW Bobsleds
BMW’s engineers often apply their aerodynamic expertise to the sporting world. They designed the two-man bobsled used by Team USA in the Winter Olympics.14. Lexus Hoverboard
In 2015, Lexus created a functional hoverboard using liquid nitrogen-cooled superconductors and permanent magnets. It required a special magnetic track to work, but it was a stunning display of engineering.15. Nissan ProPilot Chairs
Using their autonomous driving technology, Nissan created 'self-parking' office chairs and 'self-queuing' chairs for people waiting in lines outside restaurants.Lifestyle and Luxury Goods
16. Tesla Tequila
What started as an April Fool's joke became a reality. Tesla Tequila, housed in a lightning-bolt-shaped bottle, sold out in minutes and now commands high prices on the secondary market.17. Bugatti Pool Table
For the billionaire who has everything, the Bugatti pool table features gyroscopic sensors that keep the playing surface perfectly level even when installed on a luxury yacht.18. Aston Martin Residences
In Miami, you can live in a 66-story skyscraper designed by Aston Martin. It features the same aesthetic language as their DB11 and Vantage models.19. Ferrari Headphones
In partnership with various audio brands, Ferrari has released high-performance headphones that mimic the leather and carbon fiber found in their cockpits.20. Mercedes-Benz Surfboards
Designed for big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara, Mercedes-Benz used their wind tunnel technology to create a board capable of handling the massive waves at Nazaré.21. Rolls-Royce Picnic Hamper
Costing more than a mid-sized sedan, the Rolls-Royce picnic hamper is a masterpiece of oiled teak, hand-polished aluminum, and fine leather.22. McLaren High-End Speakers
McLaren partnered with Bowers & Wilkins to create home audio systems that utilize the same acoustic engineering found in their supercars.23. Pagani Music System
Horacio Pagani’s obsession with detail extends to the 'Zonda' of sound systems—a massive, carbon-fiber-clad home stereo that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.24. Land Rover Smartphones
The Land Rover Explore was a ruggedized smartphone designed for the outdoors, featuring a huge battery and specialized GPS mapping tools.25. Koenigsegg Carbon Fiber Wine Case
Known for the world's most advanced carbon fiber, Koenigsegg produced a limited run of wine cases that used the same weave as their Agera hypercars.26. Polestar Snowspace
Polestar built a 'Snowspace'—a retail pop-up in Finland made entirely of 3,000 cubic meters of snow, showcasing their minimalist design language.27. Rivian Camp Kitchen
Designed to slide out of the 'Gear Tunnel' of the R1T truck, this kitchen included an induction cooktop and a full sink, though it was recently discontinued to undergo a redesign.28. Volvo LifePaint
Volvo produced a unique reflective spray that is invisible by day but glows brightly in car headlights at night, designed to keep cyclists safe.29. Mazda Kodo Furniture
Mazda’s designers applied their 'Kodo' design philosophy to create a series of high-end chairs and sofas that look like they are moving while standing still.30. Ford Smart Bed
Using lane-centering technology from their cars, Ford created a bed that automatically rolls a 'space-hogging' partner back to their side of the mattress.31. Chrysler Guided Missiles
During the Cold War, Chrysler’s missile division produced the Redstone rocket, which was used to launch the first American satellite and the first American astronaut into space.32. GM Iron Lungs
During the polio epidemic in the mid-20th century, General Motors used its mass-production expertise to build iron lungs to save lives.33. Lucid Air Purifiers
Lucid Motors has leveraged its expertise in airflow and filtration to develop high-end home air purification concepts.Specific Product Recommendations for 2025
If you want to own a piece of automotive history without buying a car, here are four specific items you can actually buy:
* Peugeot Paris u'Select Pepper Mill: The definitive kitchen tool. Built to last a lifetime with a patented grind adjustment. Price: ~$55.00 * Volkswagen Currywurst (Pack of 5): If you are in Germany, you can pick these up at local Edeka stores. They are a must-try for any automotive foodie. Price: ~$12.00 * Porsche Design Chronograph 1: A reissue of the 1972 classic, designed by the man who designed the Porsche 911. It’s a piece of wearable engineering. Price: ~$9,650.00 * Tesla CyberBeer & Stein Set: A limited-edition set featuring two bottles of a Helles Lager and two matte black ceramic steins. Price: ~$150.00
Bottom Line: Our Verdict
Why do car makers do this? In 2025, a car brand is no longer just a manufacturer; it is an ecosystem. By creating everything from sausages to skyscrapers, these companies ensure their brand remains at the forefront of the consumer's mind, even when they aren't behind the wheel.
While some of these products are clearly marketing stunts (we're looking at you, Tesla Tequila), others, like Peugeot’s grinders or Honda’s jets, represent genuine engineering excellence in different fields. Our verdict? If you’re a fan of a brand, these 'random' products are often the most interesting way to experience their design philosophy. Just maybe skip the $50,000 pool table unless you already have the Bugatti to match.