Yes, it’s that time of the year already. The folks over at Interbrand, a leading brand agency, have revealed their 2018 Best Global Brands report, which lists the most valuable brands in the world.
Apple, Google and Amazon took the top three spots overall, but naturally we’re most interested in the automotive sector. So, which automaker leads the way in the 19th annual instalment of the report?
Well, Toyota again claimed pole position (and seventh overall), with its brand value climbing some six percent year on year. Mercedes-Benz took second spot (and eighth overall), growing its brand value two percent, while BMW again claimed third (and 13th overall), despite a one percent drop in its value.
Honda, Ford and Hyundai occupied fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, while Nissan and Volkswagen each climbed one place to seventh and eighth, respectively. Audi, meanwhile, fell two to ninth, and Porsche again grabbed the final spot on the table.
Other automotive brands in the top 100 overall this year, included Kia (71), Land Rover (78), Ferrari (80), Mini (90), Harley-Davidson (93). Subaru, meanwhile, entered the list in the final position of 100.
The rankings are based on three key components that contribute to a brand’s cumulative value: the financial performance of the branded products and services; the role the brand plays in influencing customer choice; and the strength the brand has to command a premium price or secure earnings for the company.
Interbrand’s 2018 list of the most valuable car brands (overall ranking in parentheses):
1. Toyota (7)
2. Mercedes-Benz (8)
3. BMW (13)
4. Honda (20)
5. Ford (35)
6. Hyundai (36)
7. Nissan (40)
8. Volkswagen (41)
9. Audi (42)
10. Porsche (52)
