Toyota tops the 2026 Brand Finance Global 500 as the world’s most valuable car brand. Discover why the Japanese giant leads the automotive industry – read more now!
Toyota Leads the Global Automotive Rankings
According to Brand Finance’s 2026 Global 500 report, the worldwide automotive sector is now valued at USD 118.2 billion. At the top of the list sits Toyota, whose brand value stands at USD 62.7 billion – a modest 3% dip from the previous year but still enough to keep the Japanese giant in the #1 spot for the second year running.
Brand Strength Gains Momentum
Even with a slight reduction in overall brand value, Toyota surged four places in the Brand Strength Index, landing at #15 globally with a score of 92.5/100. This earned the carmaker an “AAA+” rating and made it the sole Japanese representative inside the top‑20 of the Global 500.
Why Toyota Remains Ahead
Toyota’s continued dominance stems from a diversified product strategy that goes beyond pure‑electric vehicles. The company invests heavily in:
- Hybrid technology – its strongest selling segment worldwide.
- Hydrogen fuel‑cell models, such as the Mirai.
- Battery‑electric cars, while maintaining a balanced portfolio.
In markets like Vietnam, Toyota is already the leader in hybrid sales, showcasing the appeal of its mixed‑power approach.
How the Global Landscape Looks
Other Asian manufacturers, including Japan’s Nissan and Honda, Germany’s Volkswagen and BMW, as well as South Korea’s Hyundai and Kia, all feature within Brand Finance’s top‑500 automotive list. From the United States, Tesla claims the title of the most valuable American car brand, outpacing legacy giants such as Ford, Chevrolet and Jeep.
China’s BYD appears at #142, representing the sole Chinese automaker in the ranking.
Understanding Brand Finance’s Methodology
Brand Finance calculates brand value using three core pillars:
- Brand Strength Index (BSI): a score from 0 to 100 based on marketing investment, stakeholder equity and business performance.
- Customer Loyalty: measured through repeat‑purchase rates and brand advocacy.
- Revenue Contribution: the portion of a company’s earnings attributable to its brand.
Founded in London in 1996, Brand Finance now operates in 25 countries and produces annual rankings across sectors such as real estate, telecommunications, toys, football clubs, and national brand indexes.
Beyond Cars – The Broader Brand Landscape
While Toyota leads the automotive arena, the overall Global 500 brand crown still belongs to Apple, whose estimated brand value rose to USD 607.6 billion in 2026, up from $574.5 billion in 2025. Apple has held the top spot five times in the past six years.
As the automotive world accelerates toward electrification and diverse powertrains, Toyota’s blend of hybrid, hydrogen and electric offerings positions it to stay ahead of the curve – and ahead of the competition.
Stay tuned for more insights on the evolving auto industry and what the rankings mean for consumers worldwide.