Toyota named Best Car Brand of the Year

TOYOTA has been named the most valuable automotive brand, topping the list of 10 most valuable automotive brands of the year.

BrandZ in its eighth report since 2006, Toyota has been named the most expensive for the sixth time with a value of $24.5 billion.

On the list also is Lexus, which maintains the 10th place it posted last year with a value of $3.5 billion (£2.3 billion).

Toyota said it feels that its brands are outperforming the global market.

“According to the report, although automotive sales improved in some regions, they remained below pre-recession levels in others, adversely impacting overall brand values.

“In contrast, global sales for Toyota in 2012 increased by 22.6 per cent, to 9.75 million units, which positively contributed towards the company’s brand valuation in this year’s report, Toyota said in a press release.

The automaker also affirmed that “the BrandZ report also hints at growing ‘customer affinity’ with hybrid technology.

Toyota said its customers can choose from the widest range of hybrid vehicles of any manufacturer, including: Yaris Hybrid, Auris Hybrid, Auris Hybrid Touring Sports, Prius,

Prius+, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and Lexus CT 200h, IS 300h, GS 450h, RX 450h, LS 600h.