BMW Replaces Toyota as Most Valuable Global Car Brand

SEE ALSO: BMW Buyers Guide
SEE ALSO: Toyota Buyers Guide

Washington DC April 29, 2010; The AIADA newsletter reported that Automotive News reports that BMW AG has overtaken Toyota Motor Corp. as the world's most valuable automotive brand in an annual ranking of the world's top brands.

Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG improved their brand value, according to BrandZ Top 100, a survey compiled by the market research company Millward Brown. “It is likely that Toyota's brand has suffered further in recent months, but it is a strong brand and is trying hard to overcome the damage through a major communications campaign," said Walshe, Millward Brown global brand director.

BMW brand's brand value declined 9 percent compared with the 2009 ranking to just over $21.8 billion, according to the study.

Toyota's brand value dropped 27 percent to just under $21.8 billion. Volkswagen increased its brand value by 20 percent to just under $7 billion while Audi improved 2 percent to $3.6 billion.

Overall, luxury carmakers lost brand value as the economic crisis hit their sales during 2009. As a result of a depressed market in countries such as the United States and Europe, the combined value of the six car manufacturers in the top 100 ranking decreased by 15 percent, more than any other market sector.