Pomona's Place in Automotive Culture
Few cities are as closely linked to American car culture as Pomona. The Pomona Dragstrip at Fairplex has hosted major NHRA drag racing events for decades, and the NHRA Museum on the Fairplex grounds celebrates the history of hot rodding and motorsports. Weekend swap meets and car shows draw enthusiasts from across Southern California, and local shops build, restore, and tune vehicles of every era.
Beyond enthusiast culture, the wider Southern California region is a major hub for automotive design studios, electric vehicle companies, commercial vehicle builders, and aftermarket performance manufacturers. Pomona's freeway access and skilled workforce make it a natural home for suppliers, dealers, installers, and engineers connected to these manufacturers.
How This List Was Built
We selected manufacturers with a strong Southern California presence or a major impact on the Pomona automotive community. Criteria included product quality, innovation, reputation, local relevance, and support for dealers and installers. The list blends electric vehicle pioneers, commercial vehicle builders, and aftermarket icons.
The Top 10 Best Automotive Manufacturers in Pomona
1. Tesla
Tesla transformed the auto industry by proving electric vehicles could be desirable, fast, and practical. Tesla vehicles are among the most common EVs on Pomona roads, and the company's Supercharger network is widely used along Interstate 10. Tesla's software updates, battery technology, and energy products continue to influence how Southern Californians think about transportation.
2. Rivian
Rivian, headquartered in Irvine, builds electric adventure vehicles including the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, as well as electric delivery vans for commercial fleets. Its Southern California roots and focus on outdoor lifestyle resonate with Pomona drivers who head to the San Gabriel Mountains and desert on weekends. Rivian's delivery vans also serve regional logistics operations.
3. BYD
BYD is a global electric vehicle and battery manufacturer with a large North American facility in Lancaster that produces electric buses and commercial vehicles. Transit agencies, school districts, and fleet operators across Southern California use BYD vehicles. The company's battery expertise and zero-emission focus align with California's aggressive clean transportation goals.
4. New Flyer
New Flyer is one of North America's leading transit bus manufacturers and operates a facility in Ontario, just east of Pomona. It builds battery-electric, fuel cell, and low-emission buses for public transit agencies. As Southern California agencies electrify their fleets, New Flyer's nearby production capacity makes it an important regional employer and supplier.
5. Edelbrock
Edelbrock is a legendary Southern California performance brand famous for intake manifolds, carburetors, superchargers, and cylinder heads. For generations of Pomona hot rodders and drag racers, Edelbrock parts have been a symbol of horsepower and reliability. The brand remains a staple at local car shows and racing events at Fairplex.
6. K&N Engineering
K&N Engineering, based in the Inland Empire, is renowned for its reusable high-flow air filters, cold air intakes, and oil filters. The company started in motorcycle racing and grew into a global aftermarket leader. Pomona-area enthusiasts and daily drivers alike choose K&N products for performance gains and long-term value.
7. Borla Performance
Borla Performance is a Southern California manufacturer of premium stainless steel exhaust systems. Its products are known for durability, distinctive sound, and performance improvements. Borla exhausts are a common upgrade among Pomona muscle car, truck, and sports car owners, and the brand is widely respected in the racing community.
8. Saleen Automotive
Saleen, based in Corona, is known for high-performance modified vehicles and limited-production supercars. The brand built its reputation by transforming popular platforms into track-ready machines. Its proximity to Pomona and its motorsport heritage give Saleen a strong following among local enthusiasts who appreciate boutique performance engineering.
9. MagnaFlow
MagnaFlow is a Southern California manufacturer of performance exhaust systems and catalytic converters. The company offers emissions-compliant products for California drivers, which is especially important given the state's strict air quality regulations. Pomona repair shops and performance installers rely on MagnaFlow for both compliance and performance solutions.
10. Toyota Racing Development
Toyota Racing Development, known as TRD, has its U.S. operations in Southern California and develops racing engines and performance parts for Toyota vehicles. TRD parts are popular among Pomona truck and off-road owners, and TRD's motorsports engineering supports Toyota's racing programs. It represents the connection between factory manufacturing and performance culture.
Pomona's Automotive Workforce and Services
Pomona and its neighboring cities host a large network of repair shops, body shops, performance installers, dealerships, and parts distributors. Community colleges and technical schools in the region train technicians in both traditional engine repair and high-voltage electric vehicle systems. This skilled workforce supports the manufacturers above by installing their products, servicing their vehicles, and giving valuable feedback from the field. For consumers, it means expert help is never far away, whether you need a routine service or a complete performance build.
Trends Driving the Automotive Sector
Electrification is the defining trend in the automotive industry, and Southern California is at the center of it. California's zero-emission vehicle rules are pushing automakers to expand electric offerings, while transit and delivery fleets are shifting to battery and fuel cell power. At the same time, the aftermarket industry is adapting with emissions-compliant parts and EV performance upgrades. Pomona's enthusiast culture ensures that both classic combustion performance and modern electric innovation will continue to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a fleet manager, a dealer, an engineer, or a weekend racer, the manufacturers on this list shape the vehicles and parts that move Pomona. Their combination of innovation, craftsmanship, and regional presence makes them the best automotive manufacturers connected to the Pomona community.