The automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift, with electric vehicles and autonomous driving taking center stage. Amidst this transformation, the world's top car brands are vying for dominance, and a new report from Brand Finance has revealed the top 10 most valuable car brands in 2025.
According to the Brand Finance Global 500 report, Toyota Motor Corporation leads the pack with a valuation of $64.7 billion, followed closely by Mercedes-Benz with a valuation of $53.02 billion, and Hyundai securing third place with a valuation of $46.3 billion. The rankings highlight the importance of strategic branding, customer loyalty, and innovation in maintaining global competitiveness.
The report defines brand strength as how well a brand performs in intangible aspects compared to its competitors. To assess brand strength, Brand Finance follows a process compliant with ISO 20671, evaluating three key factors: Marketing Investment, Stakeholder Equity, and their influence on Business Performance. Each brand is given a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score, out of 100, which is used to calculate its overall brand value.
The data used in the evaluation comes from Brand Finance's proprietary market research program, as well as publicly available sources. Based on the BSI score, brands are assigned a corresponding Brand Rating, similar to a credit rating, with a range up to AAA+.
The top 10 most valuable car brands in 2025 are: Toyota (1st, $64.7 billion), Mercedes-Benz (2nd, $53.02 billion), Hyundai (3rd, $46.3 billion), Tesla (4th, $42.99 billion), BMW (5th, $42.5 billion), Porsche (6th, $41.14 billion), Mitsubishi (7th, $40.35 billion), Volkswagen (8th, $31.5 billion), Honda (9th, $28.27 million), and Ford (10th, $22.92 million).
Notably, Tesla dropped to 36th globally and 4th in the vehicle manufacturing industry due to market challenges and leadership controversies, while BYD surged in value. The rankings emphasize the importance of innovation, customer loyalty, and strategic branding in maintaining a strong market presence.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, brands that invest in intangible assets are likely to remain industry leaders. The rise of electric vehicles and shifting consumer preferences will continue to shape the industry, and brands that adapt and innovate will be best positioned for success.
In conclusion, the Brand Finance Global 500 report provides a comprehensive analysis of the world's top car brands, highlighting the key factors driving their success. As the industry continues to transform, it will be interesting to see how these brands adapt and evolve to maintain their position in the market.