Market research company Millward Brown has released its annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands survey. Apple was ranked as the most valuable brand in the world for the third consecutive year with an estimated value of $185.1 billion, up 1.2% from the previous year. Google was second highest with a value of $113.7 billion

The study measures brand value based in interviews with one million global consumers and the companies' financial performance based on data from Bloomberg. This explains why the order in the study does not equal the order in unit sales or the companies' reported financial results. ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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, General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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and VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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Group are the three largest auto companies in the world in terms of sales, but GM did not make it onto this list. 

In this year's survey, Toyota overtook BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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as the most valuable automotive brand. Toyota was ranked 23rd place overall among the 100 most valuable brands, and BMW was ranked 24th. 

1. Toyota

Toyota is valued at $24.5 billion and ranked as the 23rd most valuable brand in the world. It is 12% more valuable this year in Millward Brown's report. The brand sells well everywhere and jockeys with GM to be the largest auto brand in the world in unit sales.

2. BMW

BMW is valued at $23 billion and is ranked as the 24th most valuable company in the world. It is 2% less valuable than last year. The company is in a state of transition as it tries to build cleaner cars and launch the i sub-brand. Its lack of new models last year was cited for its decline in brand value.

3. Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is the valued at $18 billion and is ranked as the 43rd most valuable company in the world. It is 11% more valuable than last year. Mercedes fell to be the third largest premium brand in terms of sales to BMW and Audi and is trying to regain the top spot.

4. Honda

Honda is valued at $12.4 billion and is ranked as the 71st more valuable company in the world. It is 2% less valuable than last year. It has struggled in North America in recent years with revisions to the Civic and Acura ILX after just a year on sale, but the Accord was the best selling car in America last month. It might be on its way back to the top.

5. Nissan

Nissan is valued at $10.2 billion and ranked as the 86th most valuable company. It is 3% more valuable than last year. The company has found small crossovers like the Juke and Qashqai have been a huge success and is betting on them in the future.

6. Volkswagen

Volkswagen Cars (not VW Group) is valued at $8.8 billion and is the 100th most valuable brand in the world, and its value increased by 3% from last year. The company is currently a global juggernaut and is especially important in China. 

7. Ford

Ford is valued at $7.6 billion and is not in the top 100 ranking. Its value is 8% higher than last year. The company has been struggling in Europe but performing well in North America and Asia.

9. Audi

Audi is valued at $5.5 billion and not in the top-100 ranking. Its value is 18% higher than last year. Audi revealed yesterday that it is responsible for about half of VW Group's profit despite being 30% of sales. It wants to be the largest premium brand in the world by 2020 and is already in second place.

10. Hyundai

Hyundai is valued at $4.0 billion and is not in the top-100 most valuable ranking. It is 11% more valuable than last year. It has been an up-and-comer for the last decade and continues to grow. It seems to be putting a larger focus on Europe and North America.

11. Lexus

Lexus is valued at $3.5 billion and not in the top-100 ranking. Its value is up 2% over last year. It has renewed its entire lineup in the past two years and will debut a smaller premium crossover later this year.

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Source: Automotive News Europe