Hispano-Suiza represents two countries, Spain and Switzerland (Swiss). Hispano relates to the origins of the location of the company and its investors and Suiza, the engineering brilliance of Swiss designer Mark Birkigt. The manufacturer eventually produced cars in France and Spain, as well as producing aircraft engines and weapons. The company launched in 1904 and quickly gained the affection of Spanish King Alfonso XIII, which the company named a car after. Early racing success and astounding engineering led the company to compete with automotive giants like Bugatti and Rolls-Royce. By the 1950s, the car manufacturing side of the company was sold to Enasa and in 2019, the brand was revived and makes boutique electric luxury sports cars. Notable models include the J12, H6, and Alfonso VIII.