BMW has moved back ahead of Toyota as the world's most valuable automotive brand, according to an annual ranking of the world's top brands.
Mercedes, Volkswagen and Audi increased their brand value too, according to the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study.
The study was released by market research company Millward Brown today.
BMW was also the most valuable car brand in 2010, while Toyota held the top spot from 2006 until 2009 as well as last year.
According to study experts Toyota lost its top place in the ranking in the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that affected all Japanese carmakers last year.
It is seen as good value, very reliable and very trustworthy.
Mercedes, Volkswagen and Audi can thank their expansion into Asia - especially in China - for their improved rankings. -Irish Independent