VW Globally Recognised

Survey rates VW as 2nd Greatest World Brand

Taken from their worldwide survey, here's how VW was only tipped by Apple computer as the world's most successful and recognised global company.

¿At the end of last year, we invited our readers to vote on the Brand of the Year, in the first of an ongoing annual tracking survey to rate the effectiveness of branding strategies.

For the purposes of the survey, we defined a "Brand of the Year" as that which had the most impact on our lives in 2001. That is, the Brand of the Year is not necessarily the biggest or the one with the most revenue - it is the one that makes us stand up and take notice.

The responses certainly made us stand up and take notice as, surprisingly, immensely familiar brands like Nike and Coca-Cola did not make the top five choices. Winning the official brand of the year was Apple Computer with 14% of the global vote. Nokia and Volkswagen tied at 12% followed by a tie between Google, Absolut and Starbucks (10%).

Each of these six brands has pioneered a strong consistent brand platform and gained a fiercely loyal customer base. Recognition for Absolut and Volkswagen is not surprising given their consistent genius when it comes to branding.

Favoured innovator Volkswagen keeps the competition struggling with new product delights from quirky designs to high-tech diesels.