The brand value of South Korea's top two automakers -- Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. -- rose this year due to their investments in future car technologies and design innovation, respectively, industry data showed on Monday.

In the Interbrand Best Global Brands 2017 rankings, Hyundai Motor ranked 35th, with its brand value rising 5.1 percent to $13.2 billion this year from $12.5 billion a year earlier. 


"Hyundai Motor is working incredibly hard to realize its vision for Future Mobility by developing affordable autonomous driving technology and connectivity for everyone, under its brand direction 'Modern Premium'," Interbrand said in the statement.

Kia Motors ranked 69th in the annual rankings, with its brand value up 6 percent to $6.7 billion this year compared to $6.3 billion a year earlier, the statement said.

"Kia's continued efforts to evolve and redefine itself are critical to the sustained growth in its brand value," said Mike Rocha, Global Director of Brand Valuation at Interbrand.

This year's rankings held by Hyundai and Kia were not changed from a year earlier. (Yonhap)