Four automotive manufacturers feature in top 20 global brands

On a list full of worldwide brands the automotive segment is making waves – with not one but four manufacturers featuring in the top 20.

Released by consulting company Interbrand, the list compiles the top 100 global companies by brand value, an ever-moving metric which saw large swings in the wake of the global pandemic.

While technology companies dominate – taking up the top five spots – the top 20 is home to four automotive manufacturers, all sitting in the middle third of the overall standings.

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The biggest mover and shaker from the automotive industry – or any other in the top 20 – was Tesla, as the American electric vehicle and energy company recorded a 184 per cent increase in brand value over the previous 12 months, now worth an estimated US$36.77 billion.

Although Tesla's percentage increase was the largest of all, its financial value is only the 14th highest, some eight places behind the leading automotive brand – with the world's best-selling manufacturer unsurprisingly leading the charge.

Sitting at an estimated brand value of US$54.1bn (AU$71.8bn), Toyota's 2021 result represents a five per cent increase over the year prior, allowing it to sit just ahead of Mercedes-Benz, which ranks eighth overall, valued at US$50.37bn (AU$66.85bn) with a three per cent increase above 2020.

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Mercedes-Benz's German rival BMW positioned itself between Nike and Louis Vuitton in 12th place, also going through a five per cent value increase to now be worth US$41.63bn (AU$55.25bn).

Stretching out to the top 50 brands, Honda (25th), Hyundai (35th), Audi (46th) and Volkswagen (47th) all make an appearance, although with 10 of the top 20 coming from the technology industry, it's clear to see which companies made the most of the pandemic.

Sitting atop the overall rankings, Apple's brand value of US$408.25bn (AU$541.86bn) is more than 160 per cent above its nearest competitor, with Amazon placing second at US$249.5bn (AU$331.15bn).