Tesla’s brand value falls as BYD and Xiaomi enter global top 100

Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2025 highlights a reset within the automotive pecking order, with Tesla losing ground while Chinese EV makers BYD and Xioami have broken into the highest 100 for the primary time.

The study, which puts a monetary value on the strength of brands, shows the automotive category diverging between legacy players tightening performance and fast-growing electrified challengers expanding their global footprint.

Toyota topped the list, while Mercedes-Benz after which BMW made up the highest three when just taking a look at automotive brands.

In accordance with Interbrand, Tesla’s brand value fell by 35% year-on-year, falling from twelfth place to twenty fifth.

Tesla has had a shaky 12 months with volume drops in Europe in consequence of his previous affiliation with President Donald Trump and his role working to enhance efficiencies throughout the US government.

Professor Jim Saker, regular Automotive Management contributor and president of the Institute of the Motor Industry, shared his views on the long run of Tesla and the impact Musk is having on the brand as a part of our Executive View series.

Nevertheless, BYD was a notable recent entrant breaking into the highest 100 for the primary time in ninetieth place.

Xiaomi, which is best generally known as a smartphone manufacturer, has also launched into the automotive space and saw its position increase by 18% year-on-year.

The Chinese brand is lining up a European launch for its EVs by 2027.

While BYD and Xiaomi have been market leaders of their domestic markets, this global brand index puts things into further context around their global presence and acceptance with a worldwide audience.

BYD has built a network of 100 dealerships within the UK lower than two and a half years after its first outlet launched in April 2023.

BYD sold 3 times as many recent cars within the European Union in August 2025, overtaking US competitor Tesla for the second consecutive month.

Xiaomi’s president Lu Weibing has already said that the brand’s business model in China can apply to overseas markets by 2027, adding further fuel to speculation that Xiaomi will expand the automobile division to begin sales across Europe in the subsequent 18 months.

The YU7 (pictured below) is aiming its styling at luxury rivals just like the Porsche Macan, but pricing is predicted to place pressure on volume and premium German rivals alike, in addition to rivals like BYD and Tesla.