Badge-engineering is one of the best ways to illustrate the microeconomics concept of economies of scale. Simply put, the average cost of each unit goes down as quantity goes up. Selling the rights to a car or even to a component like a chassis or an engine can save automakers a substantial amount money in the long run.

Some badge-engineered cars are developed jointly from the earliest days of the project, while others were launched as an afterthought spawned by a complex network of business deals. A look at history shows American and Japanese automakers have mastered the art of badge-engineering, but European manufacturers have also churned out their fair share of carbon copies over the years.

What do you think is the best badge-engineered car? How about the worst?

Alfa Romeo A15n / Saviem SG2

Alfa Romeo Arna / Nissan Cherry

Citroën Axel / Oltcit Club

Citroën C35 / Fiat 242

Dacia 1300 / Renault 12

Fiat 124 / Premiere 118NE

Fiat Uno / Innocenti Mille

Ford Courier / Mazda Proceed

Ford Maverick / Nissan Patrol

Holden Drover / Suzuki SJ 410

Honda Ballade / Triumph Acclaim

Honda Crossroad / Land Rover Discovery

Kia Elan / Lotus Elan

Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen / Peugeot P4

Škoda Pickup / Volkswagen Caddy

Toyota Hilux / Volkswagen Taro