Hyundai Motor Company has climbed to 29th place in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2026 ranking, with its brand value increasing 2% to US$25 billion. The company also moved from sixth to fourth among automotive brands, extending its annual brand-value growth streak to 17 consecutive years.
The ranking, announced on October 28, reflects Hyundai’s performance across its vehicle portfolio, emerging mobility technologies and international brand-building efforts. Interbrand assesses brands using financial performance, the role a brand plays in customers’ purchasing decisions and its ability to build long-term loyalty. <Cite refs={[“turn671937search0″,”turn671937search5”]}/>
Electrification and vehicle recognition support growth
Hyundai’s recent product achievements include the Palisade being named the 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. Its electric flagship SUV, the IONIQ 9, also received recognition at the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year awards and earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Euro NCAP.
Electrified vehicles have become another important part of the company’s business. Hyundai sold 961,812 electrified vehicles worldwide in 2025, a 27% increase from the previous year. The total included 275,669 electric vehicles and 634,990 hybrid vehicles.
In the first quarter of 2026, electrified vehicle sales rose 14.2% year-on-year to 242,612 units, accounting for 24.9% of Hyundai’s global sales during the period.
Robotics and software remain key priorities
Hyundai is also developing technologies beyond conventional vehicles, including physical artificial intelligence, robotics and software-defined vehicles. Its affiliate Boston Dynamics received the Best Robot award at CNET Group’s Best of CES 2026 for Atlas, while Hyundai Motor Group’s MobED robot won the CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award.
The group is preparing for the planned deployment of Atlas robots at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America from 2028. It is also expanding its software-defined vehicle strategy through Pleos, its software brand, and Pleos Connect. Hyundai has said it plans to equip around 20 million vehicles with Pleos Connect by 2030.
Global partnerships and creative campaigns have also contributed to Hyundai’s brand presence, including its long-running relationship with FIFA and consecutive Grand Prix recognition at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2025 and 2026.
The latest ranking places Hyundai among the world’s leading brands as it continues to expand its focus from vehicle manufacturing into electrification, software and robotics.
source:Hyundai Motor Rises to No. 29 in Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands 2026”
