Toyota tops 2025 global automotive brand rankings — Tesla slips
Toyota has once again been crowned the world’s most valuable automotive brand, according to Interbrand’s 2025 Best Global Brands report, the annual benchmark for corporate brand strength and value across industries.
The Japanese giant maintained its position as the leading carmaker and sixth overall globally, with an estimated brand value of US$74.2 billion, marking a modest 2 percent increase from 2024. While that’s a strong showing, it still trails far behind Apple, which retained its spot as the world’s most valuable brand with an estimated value of US$470.9 billion, followed by Microsoft and Amazon.
Mercedes and BMW slide as Tesla tumbles
Among carmakers, Mercedes-Benz and BMW round out the top three, but both saw significant drops in value. Mercedes-Benz remains second among automakers and 10th overall, but its valuation fell 15 percent to US$50.1 billion. BMW ranks third in the automotive category (14th overall), with its value down 10 percent to US$46.8 billion.
The biggest decline came from Tesla, which lost 35 percent of its brand value, dropping to US$29.5 billion. The American EV maker now sits fourth among car brands and 25th overall, reflecting a cooling in investor sentiment and heightened competition in the electric vehicle market.
Growth stories: Hyundai and Ferrari shine
While most legacy automakers saw value declines, a few brands defied the trend. Hyundai rose 7 percent to US$24.6 billion, earning sixth place among car brands and 30th overall. Ferrari, meanwhile, posted one of the strongest gains in the entire ranking — its brand value climbed 17 percent to US$15.4 billion, putting it eighth among automakers and 54th overall.
The report also highlights Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche, all of which experienced dips in value ranging between 9 and 14 percent.
New entrants and shifting dynamics
China’s BYD entered the ranking for the first time, debuting at 90th overall, reflecting its rapid international growth and dominance in global EV sales. Fellow Asian brands Kia and Nissan also made the list, though with mixed results — Kia climbed 5 percent to reach 89th place, while Nissan dropped 33 percent, falling to 82nd overall.
Interestingly, consumer electronics companies expanding into automotive made notable appearances. Xiaomi, ranked 81st, entered the EV market this year with its SU7 electric sedan, while Huawei (96th) continues to partner with carmakers on intelligent driving systems and software.
2025 Automotive Brand Rankings (Top 10)
| Rank (Overall) | Brand | Value (US$ Billion) | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Toyota | 74.2 | +2% |
| 10 | Mercedes-Benz | 50.1 | -15% |
| 14 | BMW | 46.8 | -10% |
| 25 | Tesla | 29.5 | -35% |
| 29 | Honda | 24.8 | -7% |
| 30 | Hyundai | 24.6 | +7% |
| 52 | Audi | 15.4 | -11% |
| 54 | Ferrari | 15.4 | +17% |
| 56 | Volkswagen | 15.0 | -9% |
| 57 | Porsche | 15.0 | -14% |
Shifting perceptions in a changing industry
Interbrand’s report underscores a key theme for 2025 — traditional automakers are facing unprecedented disruption, with EV competition, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change all reshaping the market.
While Toyota continues to thrive on its reputation for reliability and hybrid innovation, brands like Tesla are navigating a more complex landscape as electric vehicle competition intensifies.
Ferrari and Hyundai’s rise, however, shows that clarity of vision, brand distinctiveness, and technological innovation still drive value — even in a turbulent global market.
