Hyundai Motor ranked 29th in Interbrand's Best Global Brands 2026, with its brand value reaching $25 billion, the South Korean automaker said Wednesday.
Hyundai, which first entered the global top 100 in 2005, ranked fourth among automotive brands. Interbrand cited its competitiveness in robotics and electrification, along with its strong presence in the US and Europe, as key drivers of growth.
The automaker posted record revenue of 186.25 trillion won ($140 billion) last year, with annual US vehicle sales exceeding 1 million units and global eco-friendly vehicle sales reaching 960,000.
Hyundai is also expanding into physical AI and robotics. At CES 2026, it unveiled its AI robotics strategy and commercialization plans, while its market capitalization subsequently surpassed 100 trillion won for the first time.
The company has begun training its Atlas humanoid robot at its Georgia plant, targeting deployment in 2028. Atlas won CNET's Best Robot award at CES 2026, while its MobED autonomous mobility platform received awards at CES and the Red Dot Design Awards.
Hyundai is also advancing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles through its Nvidia partnership and Pleos software platform.
The automaker continues to strengthen its global presence through sports sponsorships, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, international cricket and South America's Copa Libertadores. Its advertising campaigns also won honors at Cannes Lions 2026.
"The 17 consecutive years of brand value growth reflect the combined efforts of customers, employees, and dealer partners," Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jose Munoz said. "Our fourth-place ranking among automotive brands demonstrates our current product competitiveness and capabilities in future technologies, including SDVs and physical AI."
jyoungseon8@heraldcorp.com
