Toyota has reclaimed its position as the world’s most valuable automotive brand, according to the 2025 Brand Finance Global 500 ranking. The Japanese automaker climbed from 21st to 18th place overall, maintaining a consistent and steady growth trajectory.
Tesla, however, experienced a sharp decline, dropping to the 36th spot in 2025 from 18th in 2024 and 9th in 2023. Once celebrated as a disruptor in the automotive industry, Tesla’s fall from grace is attributed to several factors outlined by the report.
These include its reliance on the Chinese electric vehicle market, BYD surpassing Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker, and the negative impact of Elon Musk’s controversial leadership style, which has tarnished Tesla’s brand reputation.
The Brand Finance Global 500 ranking, published annually by the leading brand valuation consultancy, evaluates the world’s 500 most valuable and strongest brands across sectors and countries. For 2025, the automotive sector saw other notable shifts.
Mercedes-Benz dropped to 23rd from 17th, while the Hyundai Group made a significant leap from 41st to 29th. BMW and Porsche maintained positions in the top 40, ranking 37th and 40th, respectively. Volkswagen, Honda, and Ford also featured in the top 100, ranked 61st, 70th, and 86th, respectively.
AUTO TECH | South Korean Battery Giants Boost R&D Amid EV Slowdown
