Brand consultancy firm Interbrand has revealed their annual list of the 100 top global brands. In the automotive sector Toyota has once again taken the top spot, coming in eighth overall, behind giants like Apple, Google and Coca-Cola.
Interbrand’s list is determined by three key factors, summarized as financial performance, the role the brand plays in purchasing decisions, and the competitive strength of the brand. Only 13 automotive brands cracked the top 100.
8: Toyota. Growth in China and Europe was cited for its jump from tenth place last year, as well as its reputation for solid, quality products.
10: Mercedes-Benz. A spate of new models resulted in a 14 percent increase in sales in the US and 9.5 percent globally. S-Class sales increased 60 percent while the CLA- and GLA-Class wooed younger customers.
11: BMW. A perception of innovation with green technologies, thanks to the i3 and i8 models and the EfficientDynamics suite across the rest of the lineup helped the company keep pace with rival Mercedes-Benz.
20: Honda. Though the “golden age” marked by the “Powered by Honda” tagline has waned, a return to Formula One and partnerships with Google and Apple will help the brand return to prominence, with the help of strength as a motorcycle maker in emerging markets.
31: Volkswagen. Double-digit growth in the Chinese market and the new Golf and Up! have made the brand a Top Riser of 2014.
39: Ford. A fresh new product portfolio has helped Ford increase sales by 12 percent worldwide, with strength in the US and Asia-Pacific markets.
40: Hyundai. The Korean automaker is still one of the fastest growing automakers, with region-specific models in nations like Brazil and China lifting the brand out of its perceived status as the automotive bargain bin.
45: Audi. Sales have increased by 8.3 percent, the culmination of two decades branding as sporty, luxurious and technologically sophisticated. It is the top luxury marque in Europe and China.
56: Nissan. One of 2014′s Top Risers, with double-digit profit increases thanks to strength in China and the US, and a unifying of its brand and products globally.
60: Porsche. Described as an “iconic” brand, a broadening of models on both the supercar and entry-level luxury ends of the market have helped drive record profits.
74: Kia. The Hyundai subsidiary has re-branded itself as a stylish contender that appeals to young buyers rather than the default choice for budget-conscious buyers.
82: Chevrolet. Solid compact models like the Cruze and continued development of icons like the Corvette and Camaro have helped brand strength worldwide despite US recalls.
91: Land Rover. The Indian-owned luxury SUV maker has seen a 15 percent growth in sales in 42 markets, while quality ratings have improved slightly as well.
A fourteenth brand falling under the automotive segment was Harley Davidson, the American motorcycle maker, which ranked 87th.
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