电子笑容 dzxr.com

为了配合一汽大众的成都项目，速腾出租车去年就出现在成都，不过那时候的车型都是1.6，而现在的车型是2.0 CNG（压缩天然气），呵呵，要是我在成都，肯定想买这款车。车前和普通出租车的熊猫标志不同，而是太阳神鸟（拜熊猫金卡的福，我也终于在金沙遗址公园看见了太阳神鸟），此款出租车起步价是7元，每公里运价为1.40元.包括新的GPS系统包括触摸屏、电子服务证、电子招车、综合服务评价、机打票计价器、LED顶灯等。顶灯上新设一个LED显示屏，显示屏上将根据需要显示公共信息(喜迎国庆刚代替和谐交通)、车辆载客情况等。如果车辆是处在交接班的途中，还将在顶灯上显示 “交接班”等等。如果车内有紧急情况，的哥只需要轻轻按下一个按钮，顶灯的前屏显示“求救”，后屏显示“报警求助”。不过，国庆期间打车基本很难

2） 公交车的成都名片

部分公交车身都是如图的“成都，我的新开始”，图案由各大来蓉投资的公司LOGO组成，车上也不停放着Intel,大众，阿里巴巴来蓉投资的广告……不过，我倒是更喜欢这样的旅游观光车

当然能拍得如此清楚多亏堵车，沿途能看见越来越多的在建地铁站，希望这个问题能够缓解，而国庆和成都最相关的莫过于歼10了，万达广场摆了一个模型：

written by dzxr \\ tags: Intel, LOGO, 公交, 地铁, 成都

去年9月，Interbrand发布了2008的全球品牌排名,1年过去，新的排名出来了，中国仍然无一入选

头几名变化不大，Google进步25%升到第7……
按行业看，金融业简直惨不忍睹，品牌价值大多下跌10%以上，比如UBS直接下跌50%，CITI花旗也是-49%……
跌的比较厉害的还有汽车行业，基本都下滑，金融危机的第二大受害者
快餐业难道是金融危机的唯一受益者？大家都穷了，吃快餐，McDonald和KFC小升，BurgerKing第一次杀入百强，当然高端一点的StarBucks和Pizzhut(也就在中国卖得贵？)就不好过了，下滑
IT行业有起有浮，Amazon，Apple和Blackberry是除Google外上涨较快的，Adobe第一次杀入百强
难道因为奥运会，Nike，Adidas品牌价值上升，Puma也杀入百强

2009 Rank	2008 Rank	Brand	Country of Origin	Sector	2009 Brand Value ($m)	Change in Brand Value
1	1		United States	Beverages	68,734	3%
		Coca-Cola is 123 years old and shows no sign of relenting. It is the number one producer of sparkling beverages by volume and dollars. It has launched more than 700 products in 2008 around the world, and its edgy campaigns continue to push boundaries, showing the rest of the marketing community what it really means to manage a brand. Worldwide relevance is what defines Coke and it has successfully maintained its diversified portfolio in more than 200 countries. This year, the company expanded its Coke Zero brand to 107 countries and launched a new message for its marketing campaign. The campaign, “Open Happiness,” was targeted to consumers longing for comfort and optimism in a tough time.
2	2		United States	Computer Services	60,211	2%
		In this tough market, Big Blue’s revenue is at an all-time high. IBM received the most U.S. patents (more than 4,000) for the 16th year in a row, investing heavily in innovation as it continues its progression from a hardware provider to a software and services solutions brand. It is the market leader, with expanded presence in more than 170 countries and approximately 65 percent of revenue generated outside of the U.S. With an advertising channel on YouTube and announced plans for cloud computing, IBM effectively communicates its message to the masses.
3	3		United States	Computer Software	56,647	-4%
		2009 marks the first year-on-year decline in Microsoft’s public history, despite a game console division that continues to be profitable. As the market matures, the giant faces stiff competition from faster, quicker rivals. In terms of browsing, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer has dropped 10 percentage points in market share every two years, while Mozilla Firefox gains 10 percentage points in the same time period. Additionally, a US $300 million ad campaign featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates could have fared better with audiences. However, Microsoft’s Bing, a new search engine that launched in June to great reviews, is poised to give Google a real run for its money.
4	4		United States	Diversified	47,777	-10%
		Despite GE slipping in its position of technology leadership, it is still better equipped to support future innovations and brand evolution than other traditional competitors, due to its ability to touch consumers on an emotional level. This year, its financial services offering has slipped, particularly the B2C business. Its media business is also threatening the brand. Additionally, GE faces competition from Siemens. The good news is that ecomagination is still the most concise initiative towards sustainability out there, and the brand has set itself up for growth in the long-term with green technology. After losing its leadership position in medical technology this year, GE plans to mimic ecomagination’s success with its major innovation initiative “healthymagination,” which entails an investment of US $6 billion until 2015.
5	5		Finland	Consumer Electronics	34,864	-3%
		Nokia seems to be trailing behind more dynamic smartphone innovations like Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry. The N97, a flagship Nseries mobile computer that was first unveiled in December 2008, is designed to address competitive technologies but debuted in 2009 at a much higher price point than Apple’s or RIM’s new offerings. In fast developing markets, where Nokia leads in market share, the brand continues its strategy of targeting younger audiences with trendier design at a relatively lower cost. In the next year, Nokia plans to be more mindful of the U.S. market by increasing its investments and developing relationships with wireless carriers like AT&T.
6	8		United States	Restaurants	32,275	4%
		McDonald’s has performed well this year. It now serves six million more customers each day than it did before the “I’m Lovin’ It” campaign. Due to its low prices and numerous locations McDonald’s has been able to continue to grow its sales–and even captured new market share–with its McCafé and healthier off erings. The brand does face one struggle: keeping food costs under control. Like other restaurants, McDonald’s has been hit with higher beef and cheese costs. To protect its profits, the company was forced to raise the price of its popular Double Cheeseburger in November and replaced the sandwich on the Dollar Menu with a new double burger that has one slice of cheese instead of two. With value being its biggest drawing factor, McDonald’s will need to proceed cautiously with additional price changes.
7	10		United States	Internet Services	31,980	25%
		Continued diversification of Google’s business, from new advertising models to online publishing, drives growth. The common theme is low price and high functionality with added transparency. Google Chrome is two times faster than competitors and stole browser market share equal to third- and fourth-placed competitors within 24 hours. This year, Google has continued to innovate. It released the Android phone software on September 2008, which involved disclosing the source code for the Google phone to engineers around the world. As the brand grows it has to deal with the inevitable mistrust and ugliness ascribed to being a very large, diversified, and very profitable company.
8	6		Japan	Automotive	31,330	-8%
		In 2008, Toyota saw its first loss in 70 years due to the diffcult economic situation. Net revenues decreased about 21 percent and vehicle sales dropped about 15 percent. Even sales of its bestselling hybrid Prius model slowed down when fuel prices moderated after the record highs of the summer. There is even talk that the company may create a separate brand for its Prius, adding larger and smaller models to the line up. The brand would be similar to Toyota’s low-priced Scion and would only be offered in the U.S., where the company did not create a brand around its “Hybrid Synergy Drive“ system. Toyota continues to develop its long-term value, however, building on its existing green credentials, announcing plans to create eco-friendly showrooms. By 2011 it expects to have 100 “green“ dealerships, where most parts of the buildings are made of renewable primary products.
9	7		United States	Computer Hardware	30,636	-2%
		In the fast-growing mobile computing market, Intel stands to find success. Determined to break into this category, the world’s number one chipmaker announced a partnership with the world’s number one handset maker in 2009. If it works, the Intel agreement with Nokia will put its latest chips into the hands of millions of customers. The line of chips, Atom, is meant to carry Intel into this higher growth market but has so far faced criticism for its cost and power consumption. However, Atom is finding success in the low-power, clutch size netbooks market. With an appeal toward more value conscious consumers in the midst of recession, netbooks have allowed Intel to stay both relevant and top of mind while it tries to crack the code on smaller mobile devices.
10	9		United States	Media	28,447	-3%
		Not even the magic of Disney is immune from recessionary pressures-but Disney’s clouds do have silver linings. Although tighter ad budgets have put pressure on Disney owned networks, magazines, and Disney.com, the company continues to successfully leverage its brand in innovative new formats online and offline. This includes video games, new resorts, and interactive websites such as its user-generated-content initiative “U Rock.” Disney’s ability to create appealing promotions has kept the flow of visitors steady from last year, despite tighter wallets threatening traffic at theme parks. Meanwhile, the Disney and Pixar brands continue to command audiences, (with some exceptions) as evidenced by the success of Up, and a strong content pipeline, including Toy Story 3, which speaks to a promising future.
11	12		United States	Computer Hardware	24,096	2%
		HP has surpassed Dell as the leading seller of PCs in the U.S., even with falling sales for the category. Overall globally, HP’s market share is also on the rise. A 20.5 percent increase follows last year’s acquisition of service-provider EDS. This year, HP also began a global review of its media holdings in Asia Pacific, with the focus on consolidating down to one, key, effective agency. In an increasingly price driven sector, HP is finding more way to successfully use its brand to stand apart.
12	11		Germany	Automotive	23,867	-7%
		Mercedes-Benz saw sales drop about five percent in 2009 as a result of the recession. But the brand has made strides in other areas. Using the slogan “Blue is the new green,” Mercedes sought to raise acceptance for its high-mileage BlueTEC diesel technology in the U.S., where diesel is still seen as loud, slow, and smelly. Like many other carmakers it pushed the development of eco-friendly hybrid technology. Its luxurious S-class is one of the most fuel-efficient cars of this segment. Following the general trend, Mercedes drove brand development away from print and TV marketing. It launched Mixed Tape Music Magazine, a monthly online music show featuring video clips by artists like Jennifer Lopez and Mark Ronson and also strengthened its engagement in New York’s Fashion Week as title sponsor to increase the brand’s attractiveness among young buyers.
13	14		United States	Personal Care	22,841	4%
		Gillette experienced an increase of net sales this year, with Fusion and Venus as the largest contributors. Gillette holds strong as the “best for men” for personal care, owning 70 percent market share of manual blades and razors. The brand maintains high visibility by promoting classic and consistent innovation for the category, renewing celebrity contracts with Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and Thierry Henry, and sponsoring the MLB in the U.S. In the digital space, Gillette expanded its customer dialogue with online shaving “how tos” and has also seen high growth in developing regions, driven primarily by the expansion of Fusion and the Prestobarba 3 launch in Brazil.
14	17		United States	Computer Services	22,030	3%
		Cisco is the leader in networking services but is still perceived as catching up in other parts of the computer services industry. It has a strong reputation for quality and reliability, boasting more than a quarter century in this relatively young industry. Its heavy investments in R&D, and its stated mission to innovate to customers’ needs, signal Cisco’s shift to become a broader provider of hardware and services, which should increase the role of its brand.
15	13		Germany	Automotive	21,671	-7%
		BMW remains relatively healthy even though revenues decreased about five percent this year. Its dip in profit was mainly attributed to the high costs to cover risks on used car resale prices and the softening demand in the economically troubled U.S. market. The Bavarian carmaker still carried on with its strategy to build highly efficient cars that promise joyful driving, and to fill niches with innovative vehicles like the large X6 Sport Activity vehicle and the 5-series GT. Its EfficientDynamics initiative, which includes gadgets like Brake Energy Regeneration or High Precision Injection, turned out to be a sales boost with more than one million vehicles sold worldwide. With its ConnectedDrive concept, BMW pushed another forward-looking innovation, converting a car into a mobile communication platform to enhance safety, convenience, and service quality. The huge numbers of visitors to its recently opened brand temple, the BMW Welt in Munich, is evidence that BMW continues to fascinate consumers.
16	16		France	Luxury	21,120	-2%
		Louis Vuitton actively continues to expand its retail network, which now totals 425 stores. Its direct channel through retail has been instrumental in maintaining a connection with consumers during the recession. The Louis Vuitton brand is also gathering strong momentum in China, which now accounts for 20 percent of its revenue. The “Core Values” campaign, which explores the idea of self-discovery through traveling and features a series of Annie Leibovitz portraits of celebrities such as Sean Connery, Catherine Deneuve, and Mikhail Gorbachev, has received much positive acclaim within the advertising industry. This has reinvigorated the brand’s status as a classic. This year, Louis Vuitton also developed the Damier Graphite range, which includes luggage, shoes, and other accessories that specifically target men.
17	18		United States	Tobacco	19,010	-11%
		Consumers are loyal to the Marlboro brand and it continues to grow in fast developing markets. However, it is getting tougher and tougher for cigarette brands each year as governments across the globe voice their disapproval of the industry. The U.S. saw the passage of the FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill in June, which provides the government with extensive power to regulate tobacco products. Marlboro has been innovating around increasing government regulations. For example, for smoking indoors in public spaces, it has created Taboka, a smokeless tobacco. In some of its biggest markets, Marlboro will face challenges. It will be forced to cover 50 percent of the front and back of its packs with warning labels, end sweetened and spice-flavored cigarettes, stop color print advertising, and eliminate labels like “mild” and “light.” The brand’s European performance, however, suggests it will manage around these hurdles.
18	20		Japan	Automotive	17,803	-7%
		Increased motorcycle sales are offsetting Honda’s losses as its auto sales crumble in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. While Honda’s revenue has been affected by the recession, the brand continues to build strength. The fact that Honda never produced large SUVs and trucks is now an advantage. As other automakers are increasing production of their small cars, Honda is cashing in on its reputation of reliability, fuel efficiency, and craftsmanship.
19	21		Republic of Korea	Consumer Electronics	17,518	-1%
		Samsung had another successful year. Strong product development has resulted in global leadership in the television segment, and in improving its position from the third to second player in mobile phones. New concept shops have been successful in translating to a more expert and demanding audience by showing the benefits of engaging with the brand. However, challenging conditions in the components business compromised overall brand value creation last year.
20	24		United States	Computer Hardware	15,433	12%
		The recession won’t take a bite out of this Apple. Declining Mac sales and fears for the company’s future without brand visionary Steve Jobs, were outweighed by record high iPod sales, doubling sales for the iPod Touch, and all-time high market share for Mac OS software. Price might be a barrier for cost-conscious consumers, but Apple responded quickly with high margin, low-priced products like the US $99 iPhone and a new, voice-activated iPod Shuffle. The Apple brand is the most supported within its industry, and among the most iconic of relatively young brands in the world.
21	22		Sweden	Apparel	15,375	11%
		Unlike competitors such as the Gap, Swedish clothing store chain H&M said that it plans to create between 6,000 and 7,000 new jobs during the year by opening 225 new stores around the world. H&M continues to diversify with product mix, store expansion, and design. While CEO Rolf Eriksen’s summer 2009 retirement has sparked a potential succession issue, H&M’s continued focus on “nano fashion” (real time adaptability), price, CSR, and fashion designer collections have helped it grow.
22	15		United States	Financial Services	14,971	-32%
		American Express is feeling the effects of the credit crisis, suffering a surge in delinquencies and job cuts. Its public image has also suffered from the credit card crisis. Bolstered by its new bank holding status, the firm has reduced exposure to riskier credit card products and is focused on its core charge card offering. Its extensive investment in its brand through advertising, loyalty programs, sponsorships, and key partnerships show the firm’s focus to solidify the brand’s trusted and premium image and to maintain the brand’s iconic status.
23	26		United States	Beverages	13,706	3%
		Pepsi is a brand on the rise. In the past year, it went through a complete design refresh of its entire product line in an effort to spur sales. It also introduced new, limited edition products such as Pepsi Natural and Pepsi Throwback–products made with the natural sugars of the 1970s. Its new campaign, “Refresh Everything” has been incredibly successful as well, creating buzz in the U.S. This and the introduction of Pepsi Raw indicate that Pepsi is doing all it can to catch up to Coke by raising the innovation stakes.
24	23		United States	Computer Software	13,699	-1%
		Oracle has seen more category leadership as it beats out competitors in application sales and new software license revenues. With the recent purchase of Sun Microsystems, Oracle also acquired MySQL, and entered the hardware category. Its partnership with HP on a new database machine puts Oracle on track to steal market share from both Microsoft and IBM. As Oracle invests US $3 billion a year in R&D, its future success looks promising.
25	28		Switzerland	Beverages	13,317	2%
		Nescafé, which was founded in the 1930s, still continues to grow sales today–quite a feat given the recessionary conditions and pressure from private label store brands in this very mature category. That said, Nescafé generates most value from its high margins, not necessarily growth. The brand has approached the challenging market as an opportunity, increasing ad spend by six percent to consolidate the customer relationship when media was cheap. Additionally, Nestlé is dedicating resources to a new campaign for its flagship brand addressing price, taste, and bean quality. Recently, it has even made aggressive moves to target a new competitor in instant coffee, Starbucks VIA.
26	29		United States	Sporting Goods	13,179	4%
		Instead of cutting back like many of its competitors, Nike has done well by staying the course and moving ahead with big strategic plans–a move that served it well in the last recession when it then pulled out ahead of industry leader, Reebok. This year, it unveiled a line of eco-friendly products, which aim to use sustainable, recyclable materials. Ultimately, the move should translate into better profit margins for the future. While there have been layoff s twice this year–the first time since 1998–indicating problems with the cost structure during the downturn, Nike is still far ahead of its closest competitor, adidas.
27	31		Germany	Computer Software	12,106	-1%
		With the launch of its new global campaign, “It’s time for a clear new world,” SAP is focusing its message on the visionary and powerful real-time role that its software plays in business partnerships. Having reported heavy investments in R&D for 2008, SAP must keep its promise clear and its product stronger in an increasingly competitive market where many are vying for its longstanding customer base. SAP is doing well by continuing to invest in their brand as a strategic asset during this economic crisis.
28	35		Sweden	Home Furnishings	12,004	10%
		Despite tightening wallets, IKEA sales are up seven percent year on year. Now that more people are opting to spend more time at home, IKEA has taken a new lease on life. It also remains truly popular online. (IKEA websites are among the most visited, attracting around 450 million visits a day.) Customers still camp out before a new store opening. This year, IKEA continued to diversify and launched a pay-as- you-go mobile phone service in cooperation with T-Mobile that is 25 percent cheaper than similar pay-as-you-go offers.
29	25		Japan	Consumer Electronics	11,953	-12%
		Sir Howard Stringer has his hands full trying to turn around Sony’s performance. The appreciation of the yen and the decline of Japan’s stock market have not helped sales, but the problems for Sony run much deeper than the economy. Competitors have surpassed its market share in almost every category that it once dominated. A dinosaur compared to its peers, Sony must make a major shift. The few bright spots for Sony this year include the eco-Bravia and Stringer’s revamp of his management team to include fresh, young talent.
30	33		United States	Alcohol	11,833	3%
		Budweiser has not been entirely immune (Budweiser and Bud Light both saw losses in market share despite a growth in volume), but has fared well through the crisis. It focused on building its value globally, particularly in Asia Pacific, with a football tie-in campaign in Vietnam. As China is now the biggest beer market in the world, Budweiser is building its sales network. It just successfully launched a new product in the U.S. and Canada, the Corona competitor, Bud Light Lime. Although the product’s lasting success is unclear, Budweiser should continue to perform well in the future.
31	30		United States	Transportation	11,594	-8%
		With less trade, there are fewer parcels going around. The flow of goods declined as protectionist tendencies in crisis boosted regulatory barriers. As a result, UPS’s revenues declined by 13.7 percent. It will take two years for UPS to get back to where it was last year. UPS is building a new air hub in China. The reduction of DHL’s presence in the U.S. is helping it ride out the economic storm with less competition in its home market. Despite a decline in profits, UPS still invested in its brand. It spent about US $200 million on ads, sponsored the PGA Europe, and focused on its UPS YouTube channel and other e-media.
32	27		United Kingdom	Financial Services	10,510	-20%
		Relatively resilient to the effects of the global financial crisis, HSBC was one of the few firms to report a profit for 2008. Despite concerns of continued subprime mortgage exposure, the HSBC brand is performing fairly well, in part due to effective leveraging of online and self-service platforms and a growing exposure to emerging markets. Capitalizing on the weakened competitive environment, HSBC has continued to bolster its brand, delivering on its mission to be the “World’s Local Bank.” It recently completed the acquisition of Bank Ekonomi in Indonesia, doubling its footprint in the world’s fourth most populous nation.
33	36		Japan	Computer Hardware	10,441	-4%
		Canon’s profit fell 83 percent in the first quarter due to the low sales of multifunction copy machines and printers. The decline is also due to the stronger yen, which caused the prices of copiers and printers to increase. Despite the decline of sales, Canon launched 23 state-of- the-art digital cameras and camcorders, which were all very well received. As a result, Canon emerged as number one in the Digital SLR segment, with 54 percent market share.
34	39		United States	Food	10,428	7%
		Kellogg’s increased its net sales but has still felt price point pressure from private labels. In an effort to communicate the quality of its brand to cost-conscious consumers, it has turned its focus from healthy eating to emphasizing quality products. It introduced 151 new and updated products inspired by worldwide innovation teams and website activity. The brand has also made several acquisitions that add to its product portfolio, as well as expanded the distribution of its North American cereal and snack brands with a “direct store door” delivery system to ensure prime placement at point of sale. Online, Kellogg’s is engaging with family-minded consumers via recipes, coupons, and newsletters. It is also heavily promoting its partnership with Feeding America, the largest U.S. food bank network.
35	32		United States	Computer Hardware	10,291	-12%
		In the first quarter of 2009, HP dethroned Dell as U.S. market share leader. This was due, in part, to Dell’s failure to fully adopt netbooks as a flagship product in timely manner. The role of brand is falling in its sector as well, as consumers focus on price and “bang for the buck” functionality. Still, despite losing ground to competitors, Dell’s track record of successful branding and efforts to cater more directly to needs of customers is allowing it to stay in the mix. Recent efforts to further target students may help rally Dell’s position and prevent further losses.
36	19		United States	Financial Services	10,254	-49%
		The unstable Citigroup received a government bailout of US $45 billion to keep the business afloat. No longer considered a leader in financial services, Citi is in survival mode, selling off several businesses in an effort to streamline operations and focus on core competencies. The recent shedding of SmithBarney is also indicative of a shift away from the financial supermarket model that Citigroup has followed for the past decade. Citi’s troubles have been highly publicized, and recent moves to increase transparency and overhaul its upper management may not prove sufficient to rebuild customers’ trust.
37	37		United States	Financial Services	9,550	-11%
		As one of the only banks to return a profit in the fourth quarter of 2008, J.P. Morgan is in a better position than many rivals. As a key player in the consolidation of the U.S. financial industry, the firm has benefited from the acquisition of Bear Stearns and the further expansion of its footprint via the purchase of WaMu. These new divisions will bolster the firm’s capabilities in key areas, but J.P. Morgan still faces the arduous task of digesting and rebranding these acquisitions. Worldwide, J.P. Morgan has entered several new markets in the last year, including Hong Kong and the OTC derivatives market in Korea.
38	38		United States	Financial Services	9,248	-10%
		Like other financial services companies, Goldman Sachs is suffering the effects of the crisis. However, it is in a more stable position than many of its competitors. It recently passed the government’s stress test and is determined not to take any more federal assistance. It beat its first- and second-quarter forecasts by significant margins and recently repaid its TARP loan. While Goldman is moving toward rebuilding and solidifying its customer trust in the brand, the fact that it is enjoying its profits as high as they were in 2007 has had a negative impact on its consumer perception.
39	40		Japan	Consumer Electronics	9,210	5%
		Nintendo broadened the gaming population by offering innovative but easy-to-play games. Wii has become the fastest-selling console ever. It shipped more than 50 million units of the console since its launch three years ago. Nintendo reported that profits in 2008 were the strongest record but said that it would struggle to repeat the performance as sales of its two main consoles–the Wii and the DS–level off and foreign exchange turmoil destroys margins.
40	44		Canada	Media	8,434	1%
		Thomson Reuters continues on an upward path, securing lead product ranking in almost every business segment. While the financial segment of the business has not been immune to the global recession, its diversified portfolio of audience-specific offerings allowed it to weather the market turmoil. It is in a strong position for continued growth. Thomson Reuters’ continued investment in the brand and strong portfolio of flagship brands is beginning to pay dividends as the company continues its drive towards becoming one unified firm.
41	45		Italy	Luxury	8,182	-1%
		In 2008, Gucci reinforced its network of directly operated stores around the world, a strategy that has proven successful in the past. While sales in Western Europe were mixed, a large retail presence (particularly in Asia) has proven to be a key asset in the current climate. It has also helped put an emphasis on its 90-year history of craftsmanship and heritage. This year, Gucci furthered its expansion in emerging markets, where sales rose by 21 percent, strongly driven by China.
42	43		Netherlands	Diversified	8,121	-2%
		The Philips brand stands for a broad set of businesses in consumer electronics, lighting, and healthcare. Its bet on generating innovative and unique solutions for clients and consumers seems to pay off in times of economic difficulties. Consumer electronics were most affected over the last year, but their decline was offset, to some extent, by brand value growth in the other sectors. Philips is utilizing its brand as a central organizing principle. The company unites the business under the master brand and focuses coherently and consistently on sense and simplicity.
43	58		United States	Internet Services	7,858	22%
		The multi-department retailer is confirming why you are best off not owning a retail footprint in a recession. Analysts say Amazon has benefited from the downturn in the U.S., in particular, with struggles at the Borders book chain and the bankruptcy of Circuit City all driving traffic to Amazon.com. Amazon’s release of the Kindle and the continued improvement of its site to enable access from anywhere have also contributed to its upward path. Additionally, Amazon.com will begin selling e-books for reading on Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. In the fourth quarter of 2008, Amazon partnered with manufacturers to reduce packaging with an eye towards sustainability. Partners include Fisher-Price, Mattel, Microsoft, and electronics manufacturer, Transcend.
44	51		France	Personal Care	7,748	3%
		The world’s leading cosmetic and mass-market beauty brand continues to grow its sales, notably strengthening its positioning in Asia as an expert in Asian skin care, and reinforcing its presence in all regions worldwide. L’Oréal maintains the number one spot for hair colorants, and this year set new records for its skin care product sales. It has conducted thousands of research tests to expand its offering to men and women of all ages and ethnicities, with L’Oréal reflecting this in its choice of high-profile spokespeople.
45	47		United States	Computer Services	7,710	-3%
		With clients holding back on major transformation programs, especially where they lead to capital investment, Accenture is starting to feel the pinch. Its presence is limited to 52 countries and management and IT consulting, so Accenture must evaluate its long-term strategy. This year, the business made strides in its commitment to the environment with its achievement of ISO 14001 certification, which helps organizations better manage their environmental impact and risk, while demonstrating their environmental commitment to their stakeholders.
46	46		United States	Internet Services	7,350	-8%
		Despite predictions, eBay is not benefiting from the recession. Its marketplace business posted a 16 percent decline in the last three months of 2008 and faces tough competition from Amazon.com. This is linked to the discretionary nature of much of its sellers’ inventory. To consumers, Amazon seems like a less risky place to shop. Lawsuits from luxury brands, which cost eBay US $32 million to settle, have cemented its image as a channel that could benefit from more regulation, as opposed to a managed retail environment. Still, it remains the most popular option in the start up B2B world to get wide distribution at a low price with high visibility.
47	48		Germany	Diversified	7,308	-8%
		Siemens, like other diversified brands, is struggling with the double whammy of the financial crisis and its impact on global infrastructure investment. If it has any growth to look forward to, it will come from the deployment of state assisted eco/progressive investment projects. Siemens has also lacked communication of the core brand idea. Additionally, it does not have any clear sustainability strategy, which limits its potential. While the brand has made moves to correct this, like investing in ISE Corporation, which provides environmentally friendly hybrid technology for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, it faces fierce competition from businesses like GE. This year, its investment of US $15 billion in the intellectual foundation of the company, including new products, training, marketing, and programming may serve it well.
48	56		United States	Food	7,244	9%
		Although category competition is heating up as lower-price private labels gain strength, Heinz reported a 12 percent increase in sales last year. The brand is focusing on a customer-centric health and wellness model, developing healthier products, eliminating bisphenol A from packaging, and taking advantage of consumers dining at home. In 2008, emerging markets accounted for 25 percent of Heinz’s growth, as it promoted flagship products, such as Heinz Ketchup, in Asia. The brand reports a long-term plan to increase marketing spend as it widens its consumer base.
49	49		United States	Automotive	7,005	-11%
		Ford has seen revenues decreasing, despite early efforts at reinventing itself. It hopes to become what Chairman William Ford Jr. calls a “global, green, high-tech company.” Like the other Detroit “Big Three” it was forced to restructure its brand portfolio by selling weak brands, but did not succeed in finding a buyer for Swedish carmaker Volvo. Unlike Chrysler and GM, it was able to avoid filing for Chapter 11. Despite its embattled business, Ford courageously launched one of the most aggressive vehicle electrification programs in the industry. By 2012, it plans to produce at least four high-mileage vehicles that will use the newest forms of battery technology in a family of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-powered vehicles. The move to green will take a long time and it remains to be seen if the consumer can be convinced that this is more than just greenwashing. In the meantime, Ford pushed forward its plans of introducing European compact models like the Fiesta to the U.S. in order to adapt quickly to the changing consumer needs.
50	62		Spain	Apparel	6,789	14%
		Throughout the downturn, the Spanish clothing chain’s revenue has continued to increase. Unlike competitors, Zara does not have an issue with product life cycles, as it has an extremely efficient turnaround of new products. It is also getting a lot of credit from the market and analysts for its innovative logistics system, which allows it to get product from design to shelf months faster than competitors. The brand is gaining more of a leadership position right now, too, due to its low price for the latest trends perception. The enigma is that Zara is not a big advertising spender and instead builds awareness through word-of-mouth and retail presence.
51	61		United States	Food	6,731	10%
		Wrigley has seen most of its growth come from foreign markets, with more than 60 percent of sales coming from outside of the U.S. Orbit varieties are on a continuous flavor rollout, with new flavors added or cut each year based on consumer feedback and buying power. This year, Wrigley has embraced the fruit flavored gum trend, working to introduce a new line of its signature Extra brand along with the launch of Orbit Mist. It also continues to promote its brands as part of a healthy lifestyle, with a website feature section called “Benefits of Chewing.” Under the new ownership of the Mars umbrella of brands, Wrigley will take on the non-chocolate confectionary brands, including Skittles, Starburst, Tunes, Lockets, Rondo, Kenman, Swinkles, and Lucas.
52	57		United States	Personal Care	6,550	2%
		Colgate boasts a 10 percent revenue increase in its oral, personal, and home care categories. Despite price point and general competitor pressure, Colgate reports that its toothpaste has gained market share in countries including the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and China, with record equity in the U.S. for whitening toothpastes. Colgate continues sponsorship of dental conventions and dental professionals to promote its image as the reference brand for oral health products.
53	55		France	Financial Services	6,525	-7%
		AXA has made great efforts to stabilize its business by consolidating and restructuring across the globe. This has resulted in a new financial advisory and insurance service, Bluefin, which integrates a number of AXA-backed companies, and the rollout of a new corporate communications strategy. In addition to streamlining its portfolio, AXA is currently in a watching-and-waiting mode as it tries to reassess its long-term goals and restore consumer confidence. Accordingly, the brand has not entered any new markets.
54	52		United States	Media	6,523	-9%
		MTV is synonymous with youth and change. The brand is attempting to stay fresh and relevant to its target customers by drawing real time online audience insights with the help of new partner, Collective Intellect. A slate of new programming targeted at the millennial generation aims to turn around the network’s recent ratings decline, and reestablish the brand’s connection with its core audience of 12- to 34-year-olds. MTV continues to invest in new media, with offerings like its “MTV soundtrack” site, which lists all songs that air on the network’s shows, and offers the opportunity to purchase them direct from iTunes. The brand has bounced back from slumps in the past–although continued and lasting success this time will depend on whether or not its innovations resonate with today’s increasingly fickle youth.
55	53		Germany	Automotive	6,484	-8%
		Due to its wide market coverage, Volkswagen has benefited from government incentive schemes around the world. The question remains as to how well a car company can maintain demand and service its heavy borrowing and capital requirements. Possible integration with Porsche poses serious risks to management focus given the identification of cost saving synergies drawn from the combined group, which may impact the customer experience. With these sources of uncertainty, the brand has been marked down. Still, it has a strong position in markets like China and Brazil and has announced its intent to become the number one carmaker worldwide in sales volume by 2018. There are signs that the road ahead looks good too. The Tiguan SUV success story confirms that, despite being a latecomer in the small SUV segment, its quality vehicles meet customers’ taste like no other. Volkswagen is keeping pace in new driving technologies as well. With its BlueMotion program and its LPG and EcoFuel engines, it already offers a fuel-efficient concept.
56	59		United States	Computer Hardware	6,431	1%
		There has been a slowdown in office equipment sales, but Xerox’s moves to cut costs put it in a good position early on. But competitors are facing the same challenges. As the category leader, Xerox is still assessing and attacking challenges before they arise. Xerox just introduced a new series of printers for enterprise customers that are built around a novel, environmentally friendly technology that is cleaner, costs less, and is more reliable.
57	42		United States	Financial Services	6,399	-26%
		The financial crisis hit Morgan Stanley’s brand leadership position. Despite a strong performance in core business segments, the firm has reported two consecutive negative quarters. Morgan Stanley’s move to form a joint venture with SmithBarney shows leadership focus on reformulating strategy. It is to be seen if and how quickly Morgan Stanley can recapture some of the brand strength it has lost.
58	63		Switzerland	Food	6,319	13%
		The world’s largest food company keeps moving ahead by maintaining focus on global growth and development. Doing so has kept its brand top of mind for consumers. One of the top worldwide advertisers, Nestlé is also the leader in food safety and quality. It voluntarily pulls products off the shelves when it doesn’t feel standards have been met. In developing countries, Nestlé launched health, water, and nutrition initiative in partnership with governments and NGOs. Nestlé recently opened an R&D center focused on health in China, and new African headquarters in Kenya.
59	60		France	Luxury	6,040	-5%
		Chanel is expecting some small growth in 2009, although the realities of the market have stunted some of its innovative marketing ambitions. For example, Chanel’s Mobile Art Pavilion, an exhibition of 50 artworks inspired by Chanel bags that garnered much attention, was called off early due to the economy. Additionally, the brand still suffers for its popularity among counterfeiters. Chanel remains the top counterfeit brand in South Korea. However, like other luxury brands, Chanel’s history and heritage helped it remain relatively stable–and familiarity with the brand is likely to explode after the release of the biopic Coco avant Chanel starring Audrey Tautou.
60	66		France	Food	5,960	10%
		Innovation and expansion continue to grow sales for the global food and beverage powerhouse. The leader of fresh dairy (Danone also holds the number two and number three positions for bottled water and medical nutrition respectively) boasts 20 percent market share worldwide. Decline in dairy sales is a risk for the brand, but Danone stays focused on high performing brands like Activia and Actimel, with baby food and medical nutrition bolstering profits. Danone looks poised for more global reach, having recently raised US $4.3 billion–its first capital increase in 22 years.
61	64		United States	Restaurants	5,722	3%
		KFC continues to prosper across Asia, with expanding markets in China and Japan contributing to its gains. Its healthier offerings have also received a fair share of attention this year in the U.S. However, not only did the launch of its Kentucky Grilled Chicken meal become a PR disaster when it could not supply enough coupons to meet demand, but the move towards grilled chicken also risks potential confusion about a company dedicated to offering fried chicken.
62	70		Germany	Sporting Goods	5,397	6%
		Adidas has held up well in the downturn by focusing on innovation and exclusive adidas technology. Some of its popular, newer products include the Supernova Sequence 2, which reduces impact and forces pronation velocity. Other new products include ClimaCool, a material that helps maintain an athlete’s body temperature at a desired 37 degrees, and its co-branding effort with Vespa. Additionally, adidas developed a new fashion line, adidas SLVR, and its Originals line celebrated “60 Years of Soles and Stripes” at Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2009. This year, adidas strengthened its profile in fast developing markets in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Adidas is particularly growing in China where it is on track to generate over US $1 billion in sales by 2010.
63	73		Canada	Consumer Electronics	5,138	7%
		RIM continues to lead the U.S. smartphone market with the BlackBerry brand. It is first in smartphones globally with around 16 million subscribers worldwide–double from the previous year. Overall, BlackBerry must continue to innovate and push its product line to compete with Apple from a brand standpoint. BlackBerry has made a more compelling case in the past year, and has likely elevated the role that brand plays. BlackBerry continues to be the business phone of choice.
64	65		United States	Internet Services	5,111	-7%
		Through Jerry Yang’s failed tenure, Yahoo! showed its cards and lost its leadership. Yahoo! reported a net loss of US $303 million, or 22 cents a share, compared with a profit of US $206 million, or 15 cents a share, a year ago. As a result, Jerry Yang had to retire as Yahoo! CEO and the company was forced to lay off employees. In the next year, Yahoo! needs to provide consumers with a compelling case as to why it is relevant. Its recent partnership with Microsoft Bing looks like a move in the right direction. The deal should accelerate the pace and scope of Yahoo!’s innovation and give Google a run for its money by combining both companies’ complementary strengths, creating better searching, and improving value for advertisers.
65	67		Germany	Automotive	5,010	-7%
		Audi’s vehicle sales jumped about four percent and its net profit increased 30 percent this year. It sold one million cars in a year for the first time in the company’s history. By 2015 it wants to become number one in the premium segment and surpass its competitors, BMW and Mercedes. To strengthen its market position, it introduced diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S. It continued to complete its model range and plans to launch an even smaller SUV–as well as the A1 and A2 in the compact segment–to target buyers of smaller and efficient vehicles and SUVs. While others are cutting back marketing efforts, Audi increased its advertising budget in the U.S., spending 20 percent more than during the previous year. Nevertheless, the long-term outlook for Audi, in this premium and highly discretionary segment, is not all good news. Pursuing a strategy of range and capacity expansion in a climate of falling demand and oversupply, especially in its German heartland, represents a significant risk to the value of the brand.
66	68		United States	Diversified	5,004	-5%
		Caterpillar has become a bellwether for decline but also recovery. Its business is very much tied to Europe and the U.S. where there are declining markets. The company posted surprisingly good numbers last quarter after reducing workforce costs, but its revenue is still down. The question is whether the brand can successfully leverage its strong Western presence and begin to capture emerging opportunities. It has already made efforts to expand into China, as well as other regions, so it has laid the ground work for growth.
67	69		United States	Personal Care	4,917	-7%
		Product line simplification is pushing Avon into a “less is more” product proposition. Avon struggles to innovate and gain market share against higher-ranked L’Oréal, but its growing sales force (with former employees from other struggling industries) adds strength to its direct selling channel. Avon has increased advertising investment, and supported product launches and charity causes with continued celebrity endorsement. “Smart value” is Avon’s angle on innovation as it picks up revenue in Latin America and China.
68	71		Switzerland	Luxury	4,609	-7%
		There’s no doubt that luxury watch sales are suffering. Clothing and accessories have proved more durable during this recession, but jewelry, in particular, is suffering due to the fact that it’s a more costly purchase that can be postponed. Still, despite decreasing sales, Rolex continues to invest in its brand through sponsorships like Wimbledon. It also avoided the risk of compromising the integrity of its brand through price drops by personally purchasing back inventory from dealers who struggled to sell Rolex watches. The move puts Rolex in a good position. Its short-term losses are likely to be countered with a steady recovery.
69	72		Republic of Korea	Automotive	4,604	-5%
		Hyundai has polished its image over the last year with ambitious product launches and high-visibility marketing efforts. The Genesis, which launched in Korea and the U.S., supported by three Super Bowl advertising spots, is the brand’s first US $30,000-plus sedan. The hugely successful “Assurance” campaign, built around a promise to buy back a new Hyundai from a customer if they lost their job, was truly innovative and struck a chord with the market in the midst of the economic downturn. Hyundai has ambitious plans to leapfrog Toyota in green technologies in the U.S. market by 2015, in hopes that this strategy will win a loyal audience. Its global sponsorship of the upcoming 2010 World Cup in South Africa will continue to build awareness and familiarity.
70	76		France	Luxury	4,598	1%
		Leather goods–the brand’s archetypical offering–are holding up relatively well in the recession. However, Hermès’ strong performance in leather, accessories, and scarves was offset by weaker performance in perfumes, watches, and tableware. In line with the category as a whole, the Asia Pacific region is driving Hermès’ performance, while sales in the Americas are on the decline. Store openings and renovations are taking place in 2009, especially in Asia. In an effort to diversify, Hermès has signed an agreement with a luxury yacht designer to help develop innovative projects in the yachting world.
71	74		United States	Personal Care	4,404	-5%
		Kleenex maintains overall performance, increasing sales by 30 percent in developing and emerging markets and diversifying its consumer participation campaigns. With lower price competitors and private labels angling to gain market share in current economic conditions, Kleenex is asking consumers to “Feel the difference.” The brand synonymous with its product used proprietary technology to increase softness and strength and create a new product: Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion. It plans to extend this into other products in the Kleenex portfolio. Kleenex also reminded consumers why “It feels good to feel” by launching its largest sampling campaign, in-store, in-home, and online with user-generated “memories” and designs. Additionally, it is developing visual trends, which match patterns and textures to consumers’ lifestyles.
72	41		Switzerland	Financial Services	4,370	-50%
		UBS has been hit hard on all fronts. It is buckling under the weight of poor financial performance and an international tax conflict. Despite assistance from the Swiss government, the bank has not invested money in supporting the brand. Brand trust and attachment is consequently lower than ever. Recent developments resulted in the loss of key talent to rival institutions. Even if UBS manages to regain stability, it will have a difficult time rebuilding trust in the brand.
73	50		United States	Automotive	4,337	-43%
		The credit crisis has significantly dampened sales even of an iconic brand like Harley-Davidson. Revenues fell for the second consecutive year. While sales growth in particularly bouyant markets like Latin America helped, a 13 percent sales plummet in the U.S. hit hard. The company continues to focus on reinforcing its heritage, which remains strong, by opening a Harley-Davidson Museum in its hometown of Milwaukee to coincide with the 105th anniversary of the company, and creating a 1940s inspired Cross Bones bike. It has also been making strides to appeal to younger customers, with the launch of the Iron 883 in January (with a suggested retail price under US $8,000) and the Dark Custom.
74	75		Germany	Automotive	4,234	-8%
		Porsche announced its best business performance in its history in 2008, with sales in China jumping a whopping 90 percent, despite a decline in sales in the U.S. and Germany. It continues to introduce new models, with plans to appeal to a wider, more family-oriented audience through its launch of the first four-door in the company’s history. But there are always risks when diversifying a luxury performance automotive brand into, for example, the “family” segment. Porsche has seen unrivaled success with its Cayenne concept, but the question remains as to whether, in the long-term, value growth will come from new vehicle innovation or turning attention to the development of the core 911 offer.
75	78		Japan	Consumer Electronics	4,225	-1%
		Despite harrowing market conditions and a high yen contributing to a net loss of US $4 billion for fiscal 2009, Panasonic looks positioned to emerge strongly when the economy turns. 2008 saw the company gain access to advanced battery and solar technologies in acquiring a majority stake in rival Sanyo (it’s currently unclear whether the Sanyo brand will be subsumed into Panasonic’s) and consolidate its National range under the Panasonic brand. Panasonic also enhanced its product eco-credentials captured by the internationally renowned “eco ideas” strategy and recognized by the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations project. Panasonic continues to pursue strategies targeting the new middle classes in emerging markets and infrastructural technologies in a bid to fend off lower-cost competition.
76	80		United States	Luxury	4,000	-5%
		Tiffany’ s sales declined most significantly in its U.S. stores, and to a lesser degree in Asia Pacific and Europe. This has prompted a cost structure review. The brand continues to receive support, with new stores opening worldwide and the launch of a US $94,000 diamond cell phone. It seems the brand may be trying to move away from its position of “affordable luxury,” and positioning itself as more premium.
77	79		Switzerland	Luxury	3,968	-6%
		Cartier’s loyal high-end consumers have left the brand in relatively good shape during the recession. Now, in an effort to capture the interest of a younger audience as well, Cartier has become one of the first luxury brands to embrace social networking sites. The brand’s MySpace website features exclusive songs from artists such as Lou Reed, Marion Cotillard, and Phoenix. Cartier also focused on sustainability efforts with the launch of its “Love Charity” bracelet. A portion of the sale of each bracelet will be donated to Action Against Hunger. The international, non-governmental, non-religious, non-profit organization tackles hunger in 43 countries worldwide and seeks to alleviate childhood malnutrition.
78	77		United States	Apparel	3,922	-10%
		Economic conditions have forced Gap to make serious price concessions. Gap’s cheap chic is not cheap enough, especially in comparison to Target, Carrefour, or Wal-Mart. Meanwhile, the brand continues to lose ground to brands that have bigger ideas, particularly Zara. In the first quarter, 2009 sales were down 12 percent from 2008, leading to 53 store closures in the U.S. Gap’s brand architecture is also dissolving as functional benefits begin to outweigh brand benefits. 2008’s launch of a universal website which allows customers to purchase from Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap in one shopping cart, with one shipping fee, has led to one diluted brand experience.
79	81		United States	Restaurants	3,876	-5%
		Pizza Hut fared well with the increased emphasis on value. This is probably due to revisions of the menu to include value products, as well as differentiated products like pasta and wings. Pizza Hut has also updated the look of its locations to reflect the expanding menu. It has even branded some stores as “The Hut,” removing Pizza from its name on boxes and store signs. The question is whether this will prove to be a good move or one that compromises the core offering of the brand.
80	92		United States	Personal Care	3,847	7%
		Reassurance and trust have become more important positioning equities for Johnson & Johnson this year, and the brand is focusing on relaying this through its messaging. Further integration with Pfizer has allowed the brand to increase its range of products and to actively promote health. The official healthcare sponsor of the 2008 Summer Olympics has increased sales in all geographic and international regions: it holds leading positions in nine of the 15 major categories in which it competes.
81	82		Germany	Financial Services	3,831	-5%
		Despite the sale of Dresdner Bank at a significant loss, Allianz’s financial services segment still managed to contribute a small net profit in the first quarter. The bank reports that it doesn’t require government aid, and a return to its core offerings last quarter has also fostered favorable investor perception. Currently Allianz has plans to expand its offerings and market by moving into the aviation insurance market in Australia and New Zealand, widening its life insurance products into China, and venturing into asset management in India.
82	83		France	Alcohol	3,754	-5%
		Consumers’ switch to cheaper champagne or even cheaper sparkling wines and prosecco, particularly in the developed world, has hurt Moët & Chandon. Still, the brand has continued to invest in its image. While it cut its media spending in 2008, it has leveraged its relationship with the film business by sponsoring film festivals and becoming the official partner of the Academy Awards. It has also attached a face to the brand for the first time in the form of movie star Scarlett Johansson.
83	84		United Kingdom	Energy	3,716	-5%
		BP has tried to position itself as the greenest among the traditional big oil companies and has invested US $8 billion in biofuels and renewable energy in the last five years. Newly branded products like Invigorate, an additive formula that helps clean and protect engines, and the Solar Sail BP demonstration project in China, a science center powered by solar energy, have all helped boost BP’s “green” perceptions. A 2008 study shows that BP tops all other brands in the category. Overall, like Shell, the market is driving the brand’s fall in profit. Its profit has fallen 18 percent.
84	89		United Kingdom	Alcohol	3,698	3%
		Smirnoff continues to be the global vodka of choice. In 2008, it saw an eight percent volume increase and a 12 percent sales increase. It remains one of most marketed spirit brands in the world. It increased its marketing budget in its home country of the U.K. substantially in 2008. Smirnoff also saw success by linking its premium Black Label brand to the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. While Smirnoff still generally relies on the sale of its original vodka, it has been trying out moves to taste infused vodkas as well.
85	88		United States	Consumer Electronics	3,563	-3%
		The private label trading-down effect has negatively impacted Duracell, signaling that the brand is having trouble retaining its attraction to customers who instead go with price as the major decision-maker. Duracell has combated this with a new ad campaign “Trusted Everywhere,” that shows how its product is linked to a heritage of safety, trust, and high performance. Duracell has also announced a new USB Auto Charger that fits almost entirely inside the DC outlet of a car or other vehicle. The charger includes three different connectors to work with a myriad of different devices.
86	98		Germany	Personal Care	3,557	5%
		The “Most Trusted Brand 2009” in 16 European countries, according to Reader’s Digest, continues to demonstrate an ability to adapt to customers’ needs. This year, it saw success with its relaunch of its men’s products, which it updated with a modern and streamlined package design. It also updated its NIVEA Visage line, targeted at girls age 13-19. NIVEA continues to reach out to consumers directly, getting them to test new products and help improve products through market research. It also focused on expanding into fast developing markets, having just inaugurated a new production plant to manufacture body care products in Shanghai. The factory will manufacture products that are specially developed for the Asian market, such as NIVEA for Men, NIVEA Body, and NIVEA Visage.
87	91		Italy	Luxury	3,530	-2%
		Prada, like many luxury brands, is investing in new store openings in cities around the world in an attempt to maintain a relationship and create an emotional connection with consumers through a retail footprint. It is also pulling out all the stops to tempt customers inside its doors. Recently, it invited the world’s most reputable stylists to revamp its stores in key cities such as London, New York, Milan, and Paris. So far, its efforts have kept the brand relatively stable.
88	93		Italy	Automotive	3,527	0%
		The economic environment has had far less impact in the premium sports car segment than the mass segment. People buying something as high-end as a Ferrari are likely to purchase it regardless of the economic climate. Revenues increased 15 percent, profit was up 28 percent, and vehicle delivery increased 1.3 percent from 2008. North America remained Ferrari’s biggest market but sales were up in all regions including Eastern Europe, Japan, and China. Ferrari launched two new models in 2008. One was the California, the brand’s first coupé-cabriolet model. Ferrari also opened new brand stores in major international cities. Still, with pressure on luxury markets the world over, wealth moving from West to East, and new niche automotive brands joining the fray, the long-term market outlook for Ferrari is changing, even if its value remained relatively stable.
89	94		Italy	Luxury	3,303	-6%
		Following others in the sector, Armani is investing significantly in new store openings, including the unveiling of a flagship store in New York. Armani is also diversifying into luxury hotels and resorts with a partnership with Emaar Properties. While the tiered lines within The House of Armani (Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Collezioni Armani, and the fast growing Armani Exchange) appeal to varied audiences at a number of different price points, the diversification sets Armani up for the risk of brand dilution, especially during a recession.
90	85		United States	Restaurants	3,263	-16%
		After 16 years of continuous growth, Starbucks is running out of steam. This year was met with more than 800 store closings and the deepest cost cuts in its history. Nearly 30 percent of Starbucks customers are going less frequently than in the past. 84 percent cited economic reasons. In reaction to new competition from value-focused competitors like McDonald’s and its McCafé, Starbucks has attempted to introduce products focused on value. For instance, Starbucks launched VIA, a new instant coffee, to be sold in Starbucks at lower prices. It also tried out breakfast foods. However, while products such as these may help stimulate Starbucks growth in the short-term, they’ve also contributed to a diluted brand image. It is too soon to tell how the return of founder Howard Schultz will impact the brand in the future.
91	New		France	FMCG	3,235	New
		Thanks to innovation and its partnership with celebrities, Lancôme has regained relevance. As a French brand it has an image of quality and exclusivity. In the past year, Lancôme saw growth in emerging markets. In Russia, nine out of 10 women know the Lancôme brand. The Rénergie line reinforced its position as an anti-aging skin care specialist with strong growth, particularly in Asia. The brand also hit the headlines with the launch of Ôscillation, the first-ever vibrating “power mascara,” which proved an unprecedented success. The arrival of the artist Aaron de Mey as artistic director for make-up (the man who spearheaded the first Pink Irreverence collection) marked a new era of creativity.
92	97		Netherlands	Energy	3,228	-7%
		The economy has put pressure on Shell, which has declined seven percent in brand value. Choice has been driven by its proximity to consumers and less by affinity to the brand. However, while not a high role of brand business, what Shell does it does well. At the consumer end of its organization, it operates one of the world’s largest fuel retail networks with approximately 46,000 service stations in more than 90 countries worldwide. In places like the U.S., the Middle East, and China, the brand stands for innovation and new fuel choices (e.g., V Power). Although Shell is making some efforts to improve its reputation, including investing in developing biofuels, it lags behind competitors. Also, because its downstream business continues to be most profitable, it is still greatly focused on oil and natural gas exploration.
93	New		United States	Restaurants	3,223	New*
		Burger King’s strategy to expand its restaurants around the world, as well as its recent product and marketing innovations, have been profitable. It stretched the brand into a new format, launching the Whopper Bar, a smaller footprint concept celebrating Burger King’s iconic burger where customers can customize their sandwich. Based on global consumer insight, the Whopper Bar corresponded well to expectations and captured the attention of a broad audience, and delivered on the “Have it Your Way” brand promise. This year, Burger King also succeeded in increasing its awareness and positioning among young consumers by using web advertising to present itself as a relevant and cheeky alternative to McDonald’s. While McDonald’s is becoming the conventional fast food for family, Burger King is becoming the nonconformist’s fast food of choice.
94	100		United States	Financial Services	3,170	-5%
		With the advantages of a pay-as-you-go lifestyle, there is a surging popularity of debit card use by American consumers. Visa is well placed to capitalize on the growth, as it controls two-thirds of the U.S. debit card market. Total cards carrying the Visa brand rose 10 percent globally to 1.7 billion over the previous year. Additionally, Visa surged ahead of Mastercard and Capital One in consumer trust. In March 2009, the company unveiled its first global advertising campaign, titled “More people go with Visa,” reflecting the company’s evolution to a single, global company.
95	New		United States	Computer Software	3,161	New
		Adobe achieved record revenue and double-digit growth for the sixth consecutive year. Adobe has grown through stretching its brand into new areas, adapting to its consumer base and attitudes. Brand preference is increasing as sales slump. This is evidenced in the adoption of new innovations such as Adobe AIR, which had 100 million downloads in its first year, and the success of Adobe TV, which debuted in April 2008 to more than 1.5 million views in two months, with video content designed to educate and inspire creative professionals. Adobe has managed to command more than 80 percent market share for online video, due to its ubiquitous Flash software used by YouTube and the majority of other online media sites. The Adobe Media Player, which launched in April 2008 with content from CBS, MTV, PBS, and Scripps Networks, will help maintain its position at the top. Adobe is also spending more and more on its ad campaigns, which often showcase user-generated content.
96	90		Japan	Automotive	3,158	-12%
		Despite a decrease in sales in the U.S. and Europe, Lexus is still the number-one-selling luxury auto brand in the U.S. and the market leader for hybrid cars in the premium segment. Its success is built on a strong reputation for quality and price points that are lower than other European imports. In Europe, sales performance was weak due to its lack of diesel-powered models in the range (unlike BMW and Mercedes, both offering highly popular diesel engines) and the fact that its cars are still sold through Toyota showrooms. Going forward, Lexus is actively trying to move away from its staid image by positioning itself as high performing, sporty, and exciting. To do this, it has launched a new “F” range (which stands for “Flagship”). The first model is the sporty Lexus IS F which retails for US $56,000. Several more F models are in the pipeline, including a luxury sedan and an SUV-wagon crossover. The success of this initiative remains to be seen.
97	New		Germany	Sporting Goods	3,154	New
		PUMA put its best foot forward to compete against Nike and adidas. It has diversified and expanded its range with its new fragrance, Urban Motion, and a new women’s PUMA sailing line. Taking cues from adidas, which enlisted Stella McCartney’s design efforts, PUMA’s collaboration with Alexander McQueen received buzz. Recently, it took this a step further with its acquisition of the Hussein Chalayan fashion label. Chalayan, who won Best British Designer of the year twice, will supervise the creation and design of PUMA’s Sportfashion collection.
98	New		United Kingdom	Luxury	3,095	New*
		Burberry has continued to tap into new markets. It just launched its first children’s wear stores in the U.S. and a new headquarters in New York on Madison Avenue. Likewise, sales rose not just in the U.S., but also in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Burberry’s enhanced focus on denim represents an attempt to diversify by attracting a younger and trendier customer. While sales driven by a strong increase in the outdoor and accessories categories grew enough to secure it a place in this year’s rankings, discounted products have largely driven Burberry’s profits, which can undermine the equity built up in the brand.
99	New		United States	Luxury	3,094	New*
		The brand’s lifestyle appeal continues to allow it to develop and expand products across price tiers and markets without dilution. Although some may deem Polo Ralph Lauren’s role as the official outfitter of the U.S. Olympic team as more elitist than athletic, sponsorships such as this and Wimbledon help to build the brand’s image globally. This year also saw the launch of an iPhone application that lets users experience the glamour of the Ralph Lauren Collection by allowing viewers to look behind the scenes with its backstage pass photo gallery.
100	New		United States	FMCG	3,081	New

written by dzxr \\ tags: Blackberry, California, dzxr.com, Google, IBM, IKEA, Intel, iPod, MasterCard, Microsoft, Nike, Pixar, Siemens, Starbucks, Visa, 奥运

赶在年三十前，还是回到了成都过年：）
每年回家都要折腾下电脑，今年也不例外。好消息是邻居家的无线share给我们用，每个月省下了一笔上网费的开销，不过两台老电脑确实不行了，这样那样的问题不断，毕竟USB1.1接口，大硬盘支持，老SD内存兼容性都是硬伤，于是干脆全部拆了，花了1200元左右搞定以下设备（呵呵，还是我喜欢的微星Intel系列组合）：
1.微星G31M3主板
2.英特尔（Intel） 65纳米 奔腾双核处理器 E2200盒装CPU（LGA775/2.2GHz/1M二级缓存/800MHz）
3.宇瞻（Apacer）DDR2 800 2G
4.大水牛300w 24芯电源
5.IP-COM USB 802.11b/g无线上网卡
6.移动之星USB5寸硬盘盒
挑了些配件继续服役，辛苦了，按购买日期先后顺序：
1.Super Power的机箱，1999年国庆：还行，虽然电源换了两次了，唯一的遗憾是没有前置的音频，USB口，只有用延长线
2.Creative PCWorks 2.1音箱，1999年国庆：只换了根音频线，创新的质量不错啊
3.Acer 52M键盘，2000年元旦，这个不说了，再用10年都没问题，何况我还有两个……
4.Samsung SyncMaster 765MB,估计是2002年Java买的，我2004年买入
5.全友phantom f9扫描仪，2005年初买入
6.USB跳舞毯 2008年春节买入

此外，心爱的3dfx Voodoo3 3000和一块200M（没错，是兆）的硬盘自己留作纪念
剩下一堆配件，全部准备处理掉，有兴趣的朋友说下啊，估计有些只能当废铁卖了，（To Java，有些应该眼熟啊）
老式机箱，200w世纪之星电源一个
主板两块：ECS P6IPAT ，微星MSI6199+MSI6905转接版两块，可以上图拉丁
硬盘两块：10G和20G，估计还有块80G的硬盘也可以卖了

感觉现在家里的台式机装上Vista后比我的T61还清爽，于是买了个Skype的包月卡聊天用，不错：）

written by dzxr \\ tags: Intel, Voodoo, 硬件

又是每年排名时，第一时间来看看今年的排名

首先还是按照奥运会的习惯，按照国别看看金牌榜，Top100里面的数量至少可以看出其国际化程度，美国一枝独秀

美国 52个
德国 10个
法国8个
日本7个
瑞士5个
意大利4个
英国，韩国 3个
加拿大，瑞典2个
芬兰，西班牙1个

中国排名靠前的原本是中国移动，这次电信重组，不知道是不是下跌了，啥时候才有第一家中国品牌进入啊

接着还是关心下行业划分：

大头还是IT业，个人对其分类不满，一起看看吧
计算机硬件： 7个（热烈庆祝IBM战胜微软升到第二位，可怜的Apple被归入此类）
计算机服务：3个（埃森哲原来如此有名，失敬失敬）
计算机软件：3个
消费量电子：8个（黑莓第一次上榜，第73名，摩托罗拉下滑最厉害，跌倒87名，原来的Kodak已经不再在榜中，默哀，估计明年motorola将步柯达后尘）
多样化？：4个（GE，飞利浦和西门子在我看来该算IT，而Caterpillar没怎么听说）
互联网 4个（Google再次以最快增长43%，这次冲入前十，而雅虎下滑9%）

然后是金融业，财务服务 13个（受金融危机影响所有银行保险公司都品牌都大幅下滑美林是下滑最厉害的 -21%，估计明年就没了……而VISA第一次上榜，正好100名，估计和今年上市相关，美国运通是在这类中唯一增长的品牌）

汽车：12（11个汽车品牌我到都认识，只有1个，Harley-Davidson？查查，原来是摩托车。。）

奢侈品9个（奢侈品果然靠的就是牌子，这个勉强认识一半）

食物 5个（太土了，我只认识雀巢）

餐馆 4个（麦当劳，肯德基，必胜客和星巴克，目前在中国都很流行喔）

酒：4个（就认出了个百威。。）

服装：3个（似乎就见过一个）

媒体 3个（汤姆森收购路透社第一次上榜就排在44位，可畏啊）

体育用品 2 个（耐克和阿迪，也没得说）

能源 2个（继续保持低调）

快递2个（没想到联邦快递名气不如UPS，还是新上榜）

家居1个（宜家）

酒店1个（万豪）

香烟1个（吸烟有害健康）

附录：所有的上榜Top 100的LOGO排序

2008年排名	2007年排名	品牌	国家	领域	2008品牌价值（百万美元）	品牌价值变化
1	1		United States	Beverages	66,667	2%
		Coca-Cola has once again retained its status as the world’s most valuable brand. Proving that it still has a few tricks up its sleeve, current trends toward healthier diets have seen Coke shift focus to better-for-you drinks in the last year, with the launch of products like the vitamin and mineral enriched Diet Coke Plus and the continued push behind Coke Zero, which is now available in more than 80 countries. Coke has also worked hard to engage consumers, with innovative online campaigns such as “Design Your Own” that invited people to design their own Coke containers and share them with the world.
2	3		United States	Computer Services	59,031	3%
		Big Blue’s transformation from PC vendor to solutions provider continues. Recognizing that we live in an increasingly connected world, IBM has positioned itself as the partner of choice for businesses that operate across borders. This position has been solidified through a number of smart strategic acquisitions in recent years. Lenovo’s announcement to remove the IBM brand from the ThinkPad range earlier than planned will create more distance between the IBM name and PCs in customers’ minds, which in turn will clarify what the new IBM is really all about.
3	2		United States	Computer Software	59,007	1%
		Despite maintaining its position as one of the world’s biggest brands, Microsoft has had a slightly rocky year. The new operating system, Vista, was poorly received, not least of all by Intel, which refused to install it on its machines due to compatibility issues. The failed takeover of Yahoo! and Bill Gates’ decreasing role piled further pressure on a brand already struggling to articulate how its offering fits together. Looking ahead, the company is hoping a diversification from software into the broader online and entertainment arenas, coupled with a US$300 million advertising campaign starring Jerry Seinfeld, will breathe new life into the brand and pave the way for a brighter future.
4	4		United States	Diversified	53,086	3%
		Few companies are in as strong a position to push the green agenda as GE. Its Ecomagination program has been incredibly successful in raising sustainability awareness and has reflected positively on the brand. As GE continues to expand internationally it has a unique opportunity to shape the way that businesses all over the world approach sustainability and in doing so, can cement its green credentials.
5	5		Finland	Consumer Electronics	35,942	7%
		Despite increased competition from the likes of Apple, Nokia has solidified its position as the #1 mobile phone brand, increasing its global market share to 38%. The iPhone and the Blackberry have certainly raised consumer expectations of what devices can do, but Nokia has not stood still. It recently launched the E61 in direct response to the Blackberry and is currently developing the “Nokia Tube”, an eagerly awaited touch screen device that will see it compete head-to-head with the iPhone. It’s this spirit of constant innovation, coupled with an innate ability to segment its customers (be it on an attitudinal, geographical or demographic basis) that’s added to Nokia’s brand value this year.
6	6		Japan	Automotive	34,050	6%
		Toyota continues to benefit from the “green halo effect” of the Prius, which is still widely talked about in the media. Like its sister brand Lexus, Toyota has managed to control the perception of its national heritage where helpful, but also ply its trade as a truly global brand.
7	7		United States	Computer Hardware	31,261	1%
		Having just announced its most profitable quarter ever, Intel is reaping the benefits of continued innovation and a partnership with Apple that has seen it get inside some of the most desirable computers of the moment. Going forward the brand will shift half of its advertising budget to the Internet channel to better target technology-savvy consumers who are spending more and more time online.
8	8		United States	Restaurants	31,049	6%
		McDonald’s has never been a brand to sit still and its ability to adapt to consumer needs is almost as fast as its food. McDonald’s has been addressing the healthy eating issues that have dogged it in the past. Its french fries are now trans-fat free, and its offering of healthier meal options keeps increasing. Looking ahead, the chain aims to become the #1 destination for chicken and to significantly boost its coffee credentials by introducing 14,000 coffee bars at its US outlets. With specialist baristas serving cappuccinos and lattes at a time when consumers are less willing to fork out for a pricey Starbucks, it’s a shrewd move. Further afield, aggressive expansion in emerging markets will see 120 restaurants open in China and an innovative series of smaller kiosks sprout up in India.
9	9		United States	Media	29,251	0%
		The magic has stalled somewhat for Disney, with the brand taking a bit of a back seat to those it partners, and its core target becoming more distant from the Disney brand as a result. Still, the phenomenon of High School Musical and its spin-offs is keeping the tills singing around the world, and it’s also bearing rich fruit from its partnership with Pixar. As consumers upgrade to high-definition TV, Disney should see strong sales of its back-catalogue, offsetting the decline in profitability of theatrical releases. To really advance the brand, it needs to make big inroads with emerging markets, adapting its product to win over a whole new generation of families from different cultures.
10	20		United States	Internet Services	25,590	43%
		Google is the undisputed king of the internet world and the last year has seen it gain even more ground against rivals. Innovations like Google Mobile, Google Docs & Spreadsheets and Google Book Search extend the brand’s reach and ubiquity and make it an increasingly important part of our everyday lives. Yet these projects wouldn’t be possible without its core business – 99% of its revenues come from advertising on its search result pages. Google’s meteoric rise from small start-up to corporate behemoth is not without its critics. As it becomes more powerful, the brand is forced to constantly tiptoe around the ever changing landscape of privacy and copyright laws. Google is increasingly tested by its unofficial corporate motto: “Don’t be evil.”
11	10		Germany	Automotive	25,577	9%
		The Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC diesel was voted 2007 World Green Car by automotive journalists from 22 countries, endorsing the company’s environmental credentials. It has also benefited from increased demand for luxury cars in emerging markets. The brand recently launched a new visual identity and slogan (“The Star always shines from above”). Mercedes appear to be striking a powerful balance between tradition and forward thinking.
12	12		United States	Computer Hardware	23,509	6%
		By putting the consumer at the heart of product design, HP has received favorable coverage in all the right places. Never one to go down without a fight, the brand has made a concerted effort to boost the design credentials of its products, with a single design philosophy across the board. By creating a unified look and feel, along with consistent and intuitive interactivity, HP is creating a distinctive presence in the marketplace that will help it compete with its rivals.
13	13		Germany	Automotive	23,298	8%
		BMW reacted to the increased demand for cleaner cars that are cheaper to run by investing in fuel-efficient engines like its EfficientDynamics system. Currently, 40% of all cars sold have diesel engines. The brand is presenting efficiency as its future, with the proviso that driving pleasure won’t be compromised. Increased demand for luxury in emerging markets and well-built cars that hold their value has played into BMW’s hands. Look out for an emission-free small car in the near future.
14	16		United States	Personal Care	22,689	8%
		Gillette has maintained its high-profile with the US sponsorship of Major League Baseball and the Gillette Champions Program, a strong promotional initiative uniting three major sporting heroes. Continued expansion of the Fusion range into new markets during 2007 drove sales and helped solidify the leadership position of Gillette in the razors and blades market globally. New lines have helped it consolidate its positioning as “the best for men,” while the Venus razor has helped it gain big in the female side of the business, too.
15	15		United States	Financial Services	21,940	5%
		The changing market conditions in the industry have helped AmEx. While the competition are busy focusing on internal business issues, AmEx is free to expand market leadership and reorganize its corporate structure to better service customers. It increased its marketing and card-member spend by 20% from the year before, and launched new initiatives like the Plum card in the US. The brand furthered its aspirational status by investing in big celebrity advertising campaigns in the US and by forming some premium co-brand partnerships in Europe, such as with Harrods and BMW.
16	17		France	Luxury	21,602	6%
		Louis Vuitton continues to grow in all regions and behave quite unlike most other luxury brands. For the first time, it advertised on television with a travel-themed 90-second spot that was shot in France, Spain, India, and Japan. An aggressive expansion plan has seen 22 new stores open, including three in new markets, and the brand has enjoyed significant growth in its ready-to-wear footwear, watches, and accessories collections.
17	18		United States	Computer Services	21,306	12%
		Cisco has invested heavily in understanding what businesses and consumers need and the investment is starting to pay dividends, taking the brand from strength to strength. The business is positioning itself well for the Web 2.0 revolution and is developing tools to enable businesses to create stronger bonds with their customers. The acquisition of Pure Networks in July 2008 will also help to strengthen Ciscs networking credentials on the software side.
18	14		United States	Tobacco	21,300	0%
		With its hands becoming increasingly tied in western countries in the way it can market its products, Marlboro is focusing on emerging markets to increase its market share and position itself as leader to stem the growth of rivals. The brand will always be plagued by health concerns, but the successful introduction of Marlboro Suns, a smokeless tobacco product, and Marlboro Filter Plus, featuring extended filters, shows it’s working to reduce the negative health impacts of its range. Ultimately, the brand may well face decline as a more connected world means that emerging markets may change their cultural views on the effects of smoking quicker than expected.
19	11		United States	Financial Services	20,174	-14%
		It’s no surprise that the US credit crunch has left a dent in the brand value of most financial services brands, but Citi is one of the worst affected. Negative news continues to plague the brand more than a year after the credit crisis began. It has been one of the more high-profile sufferers, being forced to announce eye-watering losses and cut thousands of jobs. New CEO, Vikram Pandit, has taken bold steps to refocus the business on its core areas, which has resulted in the closure of many unprofitable branches and the sell-off of some global operations.
20	19		Japan	Automotive	19,079	6%
		Honda has a genuine stance on sustainability, having introduced environmentally friendly cars early on. Its F1 team is, somewhat paradoxically, a showcase for its corporate citizenship program, Earthdreams. But it has failed to leverage these credentials as successfully as Toyota has in the media. Inventive marketing, such as the triumphant live parachute jump advertising, has contributed to the goodwill people feel towards the brand.
21	21		Republic of Korea	Consumer Electronics	17,689	5%
		Samsung has recently overtaken Sony as the world’s biggest producer of televisions. Its philosophy of bringing people the latest technology at a fair price has quickly made it a firm consumer favorite, while its phones are now second only to Nokia. Looking ahead, the brand realizes the importance of having stronger representation at the point of sale, so it will open more Samsung retail outlets to deliver the full brand experience.
22	New		Sweden	Apparel	13,840	New
		Posting strong sales in difficult conditions, the inexpensive, trend-conscious Swedish brand continues to grow into an industry leader. It is aggressively pursuing geographic expansion, specifically targeting China, Russia, the Middle East, and Egypt. It has tapped into celebrity culture with collections from Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Roberto Cavalli expanding the fan base of the brand and legitimizing its status on a world stage. Innovative channels for connecting with the consumer, such as MySpace and the Sims2 computer game, increase the frequency and depth of engagement.
23	27		United States	Computer Software	13,831	11%
		Through strategic acquisitions, including that of Bridgestream Inc, Moniforce and, most significantly, BEA Systems, Oracle has established itself as a leader in middleware (software that connects components across networks). Its extended reach and offering bring customers an all-in-one service.
24	33		United States	Computer Hardware	13,724	24%
		Can anything slow the ascent of Apple? Its ability to identify new customer needs and deliver products of beautiful simplicity and desirability continue to put it in a league of its own. The latest iPods, iPhone and MacBook Air strike the perfect balance between coolness and mass appeal, while the in-store Apple Genius bars shift consumer expectations of what after sales service should be. Add to that the improved company stance on sustainability and Mr. Jobs and co. really do seem to be ticking all the boxes right now.
25	25		Japan	Consumer Electronics	13,583	5%
		Despite fierce global competition in the category, Sony has had a great year, thanks to the continued success of flagship brands, including Bravia, Vaio and Cyber-Shot, while the lower price of the PS3 has finally convinced consumers to bite. Sony also won the Blu-Ray versus HD DVD war, standing the brand in good stead for a future share of the high-definition market. Sony clearly understands the opportunities afforded by increased technology convergence. It unveiled a strategy to deliver movie, TV and gaming content through the PS3 and its Bravia TVs, while in the process, making the most of its vast entertainment assets in Sony BMG Music and Sony Pictures. By 2011, it plans to make 90% of its products network enabled.
26	26		United States	Beverages	13,249	3%
		Pepsi is fighting hard. Its online activity, content, and promotions are broad and interactive, but focused on a young market with an emphasis on sports promotions and pop music. Like Coke, it has given consumers a chance to personalize their own cans. It has even encroached on sacred territory by coloring its cans red in support of “Team China” in the year leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games. Pepsi’s environmental stance is also increasingly visible. It launched the “Have We Met Before” campaign, in which it printed messages and facts on cans to educate customers on the benefits of recycling and, in March 2008, it opened the first 100% green sports arena in the US. The recent, restricted launch of Pepsi Raw in the UK is the first new product in more than ten years. It’s made from all-natural ingredients and contains no artificial preservatives, colors, flavorings or sweeteners. It’s a compelling but tentative step into the healthier-drinks market.
27	23		United Kingdom	Financial Services	13,143	-3%
		Despite losing billions in the US market and being one of the fist major banks to suffer the effects of the US sub-prime lending crisis, HSBC has seen strong international growth, with a number of acquisitions under its belt and an increasing presence in Asia helping to stabilize the brand.
28	24		Switzerland	Beverages	13,056	1%
		Nescafe has benefitted from the increase in demand for premium coffees, with its “Connoisseur Coffee” range and café style coffees performing particularly well. It has taken on the role of educating the public on the health benefits of coffee and is beginning to engage and expand its customer base with online media.
29	29		United States	Sporting Goods	12,672	6%
		Despite increased competition from Adidas, Nike remains the world’s #1 sports brand. Smart partnerships are never far away from Nike. It teamed up with Apple to launch an innovative MP3 player/sneaker for runners and it’s making further inroads with emerging markets – helped, no doubt, by its sponsorship of China in the Beijing Olympics. Along with the successful launch of women’s innerware, Nike has been expanding its direct-to-consumer business, which it believes will continue to grow. Also online, the brand launched interactive consumer concepts like Nike ID and Nike + , creating an online buzz about the brand and new ways for fans to interact with it.
30	28		United States	Transportation	12,621	5%
		Responding to the downturn in the US economy, UPS expanded its online, supply chain, and freight services. International markets are playing an increased role, with UPS focusing on building strategic assets in China and India. The most profitable company in its sector, it is continuing to gain ground through aggressive marketing such as sponsorship of the Beijing Olympics and some major US ad campaigns.
31	34		Germany	Computer Software	12,228	13%
		SAP has continued to broaden its offering through key acquisitions, most notably that of Business Objects. The “Best Run Businesses” campaign has been successful in increasing the familiarity of the brand to different audiences, including small- and medium-sized businesses, which remain a strategic focus. This effort helps position SAP as more than just a software brand and paves the way for diversification further down the line.
32	31		United States	Computer Hardware	11,695	1%
		Despite sustained growth, Dell’s direct sales strategy has been suffering. The increasing importance of design and aesthetic appeal in personal computing means there’s been a greater shift to in-store purchase, where customers can see, feel and try things out before buying. This has changed the way Dell sells computers. In January 2008, it closed 140 retail kiosks that were, in effect, posh PR vehicles that didn’t sell products. To get PCs in front of people, Dell has partnered big retail brands like Walmart in the US, Bic Camera in Japan, and Carphone Warehouse in the UK, which has offered great exposure, but has limited the control Dell has over the way its products are presented and explained.
33	30		United States	Alcohol	11,438	-2%
		While still the beer of choice in the US, the King of Beers needs to ensure its personality to drinkers shines through in other countries if it’s to keep its crown. Non-beer alternatives have gained popularity in recent years, broadening consumer tastes. Following its recent takeover by InBev, the Budweiser brand should prosper given its flagship role within such a large international portfolio and the access it will gain to new markets.
34	22		United States	Financial Services	11,399	-21%
		Merrill Lynch is in the unenviable position of being among the worst hit by the credit-crisis. Without a retail side to their business to help support and balance the business, they’ve been left struggling with the reality of colossal losses. A brand which has traditionally thrived on a reputation for not being a risk taker, has seen its involvement in packaging sub-prime US homeowner securities spectacularly backfire.
35	38		Sweden	Home Furnishings	10,913	8%
		Ikea continues to focus on global expansion with new stores opening in 11 countries. One of the most stable brands in the world, its products are consistently innovative, stylish, and a great value – an unbeatable mix in times like these. Hoping to appeal to a new demographic of young people and to expand its brand recognition in new markets, Ikea reached a deal with Electronic Arts to create a special ad-on pack for the popular Sims 2 computer game featuring a wide range of Ikea products to decorate people’s virtual homes.
36	36		Japan	Computer Hardware	10,876	3%
		Traditionally known as a consumer brand, Canon is not as well positioned as some of its rivals to make a real impact on the business-to-business market despite attempts to refocus its activity. Advances in mobile phone technology continue to threaten sales of digital cameras, as consumers are increasingly happy to capture and send pictures via their phones. Canon has done well within the environmental agenda, launching an innovative calculator partly made from recycled Canon photocopiers. It has also demonstrated good growth potential in emerging markets. In India, Canon is opening stores targeting both businesses and consumers and marketing aggressively to reposition Canon as a lifestyle brand.
37	32		United States	Financial Services	10,773	-6%
		Despite having an innovative and more diversified business than many of its direct competitors, JP Morgan has still suffered at the hands of the US credit crunch. Along with a fall in overall performance, earnings per share fell 49%. Compared to the competitors, however, JPMorgan was not viewed as carrying as much risk and therefore did not suffer as much damage to its reputation.
38	35		United States	Financial Services	10,331	-3%
		Even Goldman Sachs proved vulnerable to the economic turmoil in the US, especially in credit markets. Its shares were down a significant percentage from the previous year and it was forced to write off over $2 billion. Yet, the firm’s ability to manage its risks and still have time for philanthropy has kept it in people’s good books. Despite a fall, it has done better than many of its rivals and has actually strengthened its brand in relative terms.
39	40		United States	Food	9,710	4%
		The Kellogg’s brand continues to thrive, both in the US and overseas. The greater public awareness of healthy eating has put pressure on some of its higher salt and sugar content products, and the way its children’s products are marketed. This has been cleverly offset by a big push behind the benefits of its more healthy brands, such as Special K. Kellogg’s has vowed to reformulate many of its flagship brands to healthier recipes and meet self-imposed health standards over the next year and a half. Its healthy agenda was also supported by its purchase of Bear Naked – the second-biggest maker of granola behind Quakers in the US – a brand bursting with health benefits.
40	44		Japan	Consumer Electronics	8,772	13%
		In just a few short months, Nintendo pulled off something the gaming industry had been struggling to do for years – widen the market. With the phenomenal success of the Wii and DS consoles, Nintendo has fuelled the acceptance of video games as a form of entertainment for all age groups and genders, giving the games console a legitimate place in the living room and people’s hearts. Innovation continues to drive the brand as new concepts, such as Wii Fit and the Brain Training series, push the boundaries of what video games can be and the ways in which people can engage with them.
41	39		Switzerland	Financial Services	8,740	-11%
		Overall, UBS was one of the brands hit the hardest by the credit crisis. It suffered massive losses on sizeable trading positions in the US and was hurt by the sudden collapse in the US mortgage securitization market. Disagreements on the inside fuelled a new lack of confidence that has damaged a brand that had always been known for its prudence. Litigation cases in the US have also contributed to reputational damage. Against this backdrop, expansion outside the US remained steady, but unspectacular, and UBS still has an over-reliance on partnerships.
42	37		United States	Financial Services	8,696	-16%
		Morgan Stanley lost a lot of ground this year and will need to work hard to reclaim its position. Like many of its competitors, the bank has been involved in a class-action suit with shareholders outraged by its delay in disclosing the level of its exposure to mortgage-backed-securities in the US. Economic crisis aside, the brand is attempting to re-build trust by focusing on its illustrious heritage.
43	42		Netherlands	Diversified	8,325	8%
		Philips has always been well-regarded in the electronics field and is leading the way when it comes to sustainability. It was awarded the Stars of Energy prize in 2008 in recognition of its work in energy preservation. The brand’s products are becoming increasingly diversified and, after recognizing healthcare as a key growth area, it has an innovative range of health diagnostic products at various stages of development.
44	New		Canada	Media	8,313	New
		The highly publicized merger and rebranding of Thomson Reuters has created one of the strongest players in the industry, with a big presence in high-growth regions such as India, China and the Middle East. It will take time for the brand to reach its true potential as the group restructures to become more efficient but, with exciting new services for mobile devices and increasingly intelligent data management, Thomson Reuters is shaping up to be one to watch.
45	46		Italy	Luxury	8,254	7%
		One of the world’s most coveted luxury brands, Gucci can’t afford to rest on its laurels. With an increased brand communication budget of 41.5% over last year, the brand has capitalized on its lead positioning of creativity, quality, and the kudos of being “Made in Italy.” With a retail network it directly owns and operates, Gucci has a firm grip on both its brand and the revenues it generates, something that will provide an advantage as it enters into emerging markets such as India.
46	48		United States	Internet Services	7,991	7%
		eBay has historically dominated the world of online auctions but there appear to be changes afoot. Recognizing that customers (both buyers and sellers) increasingly want to be able to trade without necessarily entering into an auction, eBay is encouraging fixed-price listings by making changes to its fee structure. This demonstrates responsiveness and a willingness to flex its business model to meet changing needs. However, the move also represents a shift away from its auction roots and makes its offering more closely resemble that of Amazon. International expansion has been good, though eBay is still struggling with the format in China and Japan, being forced to team up with partners with a better understanding of the local markets. Meanwhile, on home turf, its eBay Motors site is gaining momentum, thanks to a big promotional push.
47	50		United States	Computer Services	7,948	9%
		As the world’s largest business processing outsourcer, Accenture has benefited from its solid track record of efficiency as businesses are now more cautious about how they spend. The brand is still benefiting from the halo effect of Tiger Woods, its celebrity sponsor, who reinforces the message that Accenture understands what it takes to be “high-performance.”
48	43		Germany	Diversified	7,943	3%
		Siemens has led the charge in reaching consumers in emerging markets. With increased investments in infrastructure and services aimed at an older demographic, it has increased demand for its services in some interesting places. An investment in sustainable technologies and energy solutions, along with a willingness to be a spokesman on the subject, is helping frame the brand in a progressive light. However, a lack of strong brand communications, coupled with reputational damage following a recent corruption scandal have limited brand value growth.
49	41		United States	Automotive	7,896	-12%
		Despite recent changes to the product portfolio, Ford has struggled to convince consumers that it does more than just produce big cars with big engines. This is a problem of momentum – having invested heavily in owning the big-truck space in the past, it’s taking time to shift its image. This isn’t helped by negative media coverage on the company’s performance, undermining confidence in the brand with internal and external audiences. Ford has started the change process and is producing smaller vehicles in the US, but needs to communicate with customers and employees to re-establish its reputation.
50	45		United States	Automotive	7,609	-1%
		Despite its rich heritage and cult following, Harley-Davidson saw a 9% fall in revenues in the US, suggesting it is struggling to stay relevant with its home audience. Things look rosier overseas where it grew sales by 40% by focusing on non-core audiences, such as women and younger adults, particularly in Asia. The brand has enjoyed real equity in the past, but it needs to find new ways to engage consumers to make sure the same is true of its future.
51	51		France	Personal Care	7,508	7%
		L’Oréal has reinforced its position as one of the world’s most prominent cosmetics companies by successfully expanding into emerging markets. It has also taken advantage of the growing demand for male grooming products by using celebrities to endorse the brand. The brand continues to use the slogan “Because You’re Worth It” – a consistent message that helps to reinforce its identity.
52	52		United States	Media	7,193	4%
		As a youth brand, MTV is expected to keep up with the times. In this era of social networking and user generated content, it has made the most of online and mobile channels, adapting content to suit these audiences and choosing partners that can help it to reach them in new and exciting ways. But it’s the brand’s activities in emerging markets that could reap the biggest rewards. An expanded influence in China and India sits alongside real headway in Arabic markets, as North Africa and the Middle East adopt a more relaxed cultural attitude and music increases in popularity.
53	54		Germany	Automotive	7,047	8%
		This was another brand to benefit from the deserved German reputation for solidity and reliability. VW has moved to overtly own this territory with the simple, category-claiming tagline, “Das Auto.” Walter de Silva, the group’s new design chief, set threefold goals for the group in an attempt to create a distinctive look for the brand: (1) create an identifiable design for each VW brand; (2) create a unique face for the Golf and build a family of derivatives; and (3) simplify the design of future VW cars.
54	47		United States	Financial Services	7,022	-6%
		The negative press surrounding the US financial services industry, as well as AIG’s infighting and slowness to acknowledge errors publicly, has damaged the brand relative to more agile competition. AIG is on the defensive, with less effort being spent on rebuilding its diminished image and a renewed focus on its balance sheet.
55	49		France	Financial Services	7,001	-4%
		Although its making some strategic acquisitions in relatively stable emerging markets, AXA has not been immune to negative market conditions. Market sentiment has dented its share price and a series of blunders led to clients being reimbursed for poor management of their accounts, all at a time when consumer trust in the US financial sector is at an historic low.
56	53		United States	Food	6,646	2%
		With sales struggling, Heinz has embarked on an awareness drive, supported by some innovative products (it is planning to launch 100 new lines around the world this year). The continued success of the brand is driven by growth in emerging markets, particularly in Russia, India, China, Indonesia, and Poland.
57	57		United States	Personal Care	6,437	7%
		Colgate’s brand growth this year can be attributed to an increase in advertising spend, resulting in exceptional sales growth. New products have been successfully launched, both in the US and internationally. The launches have been supported by fully integrated campaigns that make the most of online interactivity to engage with consumers.
58	62		United States	Internet Services	6,434	19%
		The world’s biggest bookstore gets bigger, largely due to a shift in focus away from books. Amazon is fast becoming a super-mall, selling everything from toys, jewelry, clothes, and electronics alongside its core offering of books, CDs, DVDs and games. Recent innovations include the Kindle (a wireless e-book reading device), Amazon MP3, DRM free music downloads, Checkout (Amazon’s own online payment system to rival PayPal) and the successful Amazon Prime unlimited free shipping service, which encourages repeat custom. Behind the scenes Amazon’s web-services offering gives 330,000 developers access to some of Amazon’s technology in exchange for a fee.
59	56		United States	Computer Hardware	6,393	6%
		When it comes to printers and photocopiers, the hardware is becoming so cheap that it’s the cartridges and maintenance that are most profitable, making the B2B market more appealing than the consumer market. Xerox has long been associated with the B2B market, so it’s in a great position to be front of mind in business purchase decisions. And, by refocusing on services like document outsourcing and office solutions, it’s opening up a whole new market. With its recently refreshed identity, Xerox is positioned as a modern, dynamic provider that can adapt to the ever changing office world.
60	58		France	Luxury	6,355	9%
		Regarded as one of the world’s most iconic fashion brands, Chanel maintains its desirability through classic appeal that is constantly being reinterpreted for modern times. More affordable ranges are offered in limited quantities and, during the fears of recession, Chanel has maintained price points and exclusive positioning. Familiarity with the brand is sure to rocket following the release of the biopic “Coco avant Chanel.”
61	59		United States	Food	6,105	6%
		Chewing gum sales may be down in the US, but this has not stopped Wrigley’s from continuing its expansion internationally, including a growing presence in the Chinese market, thanks to specially tailored flavors and packagingWrigley’s are working hard to reduce any negative health associations through clever partnerships with organizations like the American Dental Association, which gave the Extra and Orbit brands its seal of approval – the first gums ever to receive the accolade. The recent acquisition by Mars should provide Wrigley’s with greater resources to further build their brand.
62	64		Spain	Apparel	5,955	15%
		Having expanded into eight new territories in the last two years, Zara is now a truly global force, with operations in 72 countries. It owes its status as the master of impulse shopping to its truly original business model. The retail stores are not just the end of a highly efficient supply chain, they are the beginning of the design process. Design input comes from market specialists and buyers as well as designers, so its fast fashion is directly customer-driven. The weekly rollout of new stock gives people a reason to visit more regularly than most outlets, and the price point makes spontaneous purchase highly likely. How do you buck a downward trend? Give the people what they want.
63	63		Switzerland	Food	5,592	5%
		While increased advertising spend has helped keep Nestlé relevant in established markets, it’s geographic expansion and an expanding product range that keep the brand growing. With such an extensive offering it’s inevitable that negative news stories and health scares will never be far away, and this year it’s the presence of potentially harmful Bisphenol A in baby formula cans that made the headlines.
64	60		United States	Restaurants	5,582	-2%
		Dogged by the poor health perceptions of fried foods, the brand is taking strides to become more health conscious by piloting grilled chicken in selected US markets. KFC is also trying to appeal to diners for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner, with portable options catering to those mealtimes. Like many of the brands in this year’s ranking, KFC is expanding by looking to emerging markets to back up flagging domestic sales, and is adjusting its menu to suit. In China, for example, diners can enjoy fried dough and preserved egg porridge along with their chicken.
65	55		United States	Internet Services	5,496	-9%
		Despite continued innovations, such as Yahoo Mobile, and its dominance in many markets, the brand has suffered at the hands of a failed takeover by Microsoft. Ironically, by declaring that the offer “undervalued” the brand, its rejection has resulted in lawsuits, management shake-ups, and strategic activities that have subsequently reduced its perceived value and angered shareholders.
66	67		France	Food	5,408	8%
		Danone has joined the barrage of western brands making inroads in Asia and has successfully introduced a wide range of products in new markets. Following a prolonged restructuring of the business, a new focus on health products is bearing fruit as Danone reorganizes its offerings to cater to health-conscious consumers and shareholders.
67	68		Germany	Automotive	5,407	11%
		Audi has shown the biggest gains in the sector by focusing on good, sustainable, recognizable design and smart positioning. It has focused heavily on engine efficiency and emphasized the diesel range. A reputation for reliability plays well to a market looking for vehicles that hold value, and it has made considerable advances in aligning the range under a consistent design philosophy. In emerging territories like India, where it began production this year, Audi has positioned itself well for the growing high-end luxury market.
68	66		United States	Diversified	5,288	5%
		Caterpillar has been one of the major beneficiaries of the rapid growth of emerging markets. As the world’s largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines, it is in an enviable position as these new markets expand at an extraordinary rate. From a brand-building point of view, its sponsorship of NASCAR in the US and a strong citizenship approach has helped soften its image.
69	65		United States	Personal Care	5,264	3%
		While valiantly trying to crack new markets, Avon’s real success has been in its traditional heartland. Although progress has been slow in the Far East and Latin America, a global rebranding campaign featuring Reese Witherspoon has raised its profile.
70	69		Germany	Sporting Goods	5,072	6%
		The constant evolution and re-investment in its brand has helped Adidas become one of the leaders in the industry, second only to Nike. The acquisition of Reebok and some well-chosen sponsorships have kept it in the headlines and, more importantly, on the shirts and sneakers of some of the world’s biggest sporting heroes. The tagline “Impossible is Nothing,” much like “Just Do It,” enables it to talk to consumers both inside and outside the sporting world, broadening its appeal as a sporty fashion brand with attitude.
71	71		Switzerland	Luxury	4,956	8%
		Rolex is the world’s biggest luxury watch brand. The secret to its success has been a long-term view on its relationship with consumers, focusing on performance and continuity – something demonstrated by the great value collectors put on vintage Rolex watches. Recent investments follow this strategy, with enhanced after-sales services and distribution benefiting from increased spending.
72	72		Republic of Korea	Automotive	4,846	9%
		Korea’s national brand champion (and the world’s 6th-biggest car manufacturer) now adds, as standard equipment, many of the advanced features of its higher-priced rivals – from both western and eastern sides of the globe. Paralleling Toyota’s Lexus, Hyundai has launched an upmarket prestige car brand under the name Genesis, using the Super Bowl football broadcast – the world’s most expensive commercial air time – to publicize the new range and, along with a refined digital strategy, to promote the Hyundai brand in the US. As fuel prices soar, environmental concerns increase, and the economy shows signs of weakness, it is the smaller, cheaper, more efficient, far eastern manufacturers like Hyundai that stand to benefit.
73	New		Canada	Consumer Electronics	4,802	New
		It was only a matter of time before the brand, ubiquitous with corporate users, reached out to a wider consumer base and hit the big time. By concentrating more on style and introducing pocket-friendly models like the Pearl and Curve, the brand now appeals to an audience eager to embrace smarter phones with internet and email on the move. The only cloud on the horizon for BlackBerry could be the threat of Apple’s iPhone as the ultimate business phone. But with a raft of new 3G products of its own in the pipeline, such as the Bold, a flip-phone, and BlackBerry’s first touch-screen model – the Thunder – the world’s addiction to the nifty little devices looks set to continue.
74	70		United States	Personal Care	4,636	1%
		Saddled with a brand name that’s in danger of being seen as a generic descriptor like Rollerblades or Walkman, Kleenex is once again trying to build equity in its brand name. Sponsorship of the Beijing Olympics gives a relevant (yet expensive) tie-in for award-winning tear-jerkers that work nicely with its emotional “let it out” campaign.
75	75		Germany	Automotive	4,603	9%
		Porsche has grown strongly in emerging markets like the Middle East, Russia, India, and China, where there is a growing demand for conspicuous status symbols with heritage. By broadening its product range with models like the Cayenne, Porsche has managed to appeal to a broader demographic, shedding the stigma of being an†80s Yuppie plaything, and has adopted a more grown-up, family-friendly persona. The build quality means they hold their value well, which is particularly positive in the current climate.
76	73		France	Luxury	4,575	8%
		One of the most exclusive and prestigious fashion houses in the world continues to pursue a strategy of creativity, quality, know-how, and artisan spirit. A strategic refocus on geographic expansion has seen inroads in India and China and the high-profile opening of a store on Wall Street – one of 40 planned in 2008.
77	61		United States	Apparel	4,357	-20%
		When it comes to fashion retailing, the middle ground has always been a battleground, and lately you’d be forgiven for thinking that GAP has been on the losing side. Despite a slow increase in profits, thanks largely to cost-cutting, worldwide sales are in decline as budget-conscious consumers trade down or are lured away by more appealing competitors. Gap’s brand reputation has suffered through child labor issues in India and turning things around could take more than just boosting its online offering.
78	78		Japan	Consumer Electronics	4,281	4%
		With a strong line-up of products, Panasonic has made strides internationally and the brand has been helped by unifying all markets under the Panasonic brand name, replacing the historic Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. and National brand names in its native Japan. Once again it was a top sponsor of the Olympics this year, putting its name in front of the world. Panasonic’s Lumix camera and Viera television brand continue to do well and it’s benefiting from some wise industrial partnerships, particularly in the LCD arena. Taking a slightly different track to its rival Sony, Panasonic is continuing investment in the white goods sector, a profitable category ignored by its rival.
79	83		Switzerland	Luxury	4,236	10%
		Performing exceptionally well in jewelry and watches, Cartier is now looking to China to boost revenues, growing the number of outlets to capitalize on the strong demand from the Asian market. Looking ahead, the resilient nature of high-end consumers leaves Cartier in a strong position, even against the backdrop of the current economic climate.
80	79		United States	Luxury	4,208	5%
		Tiffany & Co.’s consistent brand strategy and focus on the customer experience ensure that, regardless of economic conditions, people will always find a little sparkle when they walk through the doors. That said, a positioning of “affordable luxury” may leave the brand exposed if mainstream consumers continue to cut back on luxury spending while highly affluent consumers stay loyal to the ultra-premium end of the market. It will be interesting to see how consumers react to the new “Collections” store format.
81	74		United States	Restaurants	4,097	-4%
		Squeezed by the desire for healthier eating, but from a cost-conscious consumer, Pizza Hut has worked hard to deliver affordable healthier options, such as “The Natural” pizza, to try and stay relevant. In the US, its new Bistro concept tries to attract a broader customer base, by marrying the restaurant’s traditional pizza and chicken wing menu with more upscale items, such as Chicken Florentine and Sausage and Pepper Rustica. Convenience has always been key in the pizza business and Pizza Hut has rolled out a mobile ordering system that uses the latest technology to bring pizzas to people’s doors. However, despite all of these innovations, Pizza Hut faces flat sales in core markets and, like other chains, is looking to China and India for sustained growth.
82	80		Germany	Financial Services	4,033	2%
		Thanks to a more conservative approach, Allianz has significantly improved its position over the competition since the US credit crunch. The brand is strong on ethics and honesty, and along with the prudent approach, this has been reinforced by the fact that they contact all customers over the age of 74 to make sure they understand the products they hold. In terms of growth, inroads in Scandinavia, Slovenia and Japan began to pay off.
83	85		France	Alcohol	3,951	6%
		Still mopping up after years of worldwide prosperity, Moet & Chandon have continued to display strength and confidence in its brand by increasing its price, in spite of changing economic conditions. Where it has been most successful is in continuing to transform the category from being seen as something for a seasonal treat to an all year round drinking choice that is short-hand for “being fabulous.” As emerging markets continue to get a taste for the good life, this strategy will stand them in good stead for years to come.
84	84		United Kingdom	Energy	3,911	3%
		Following a couple of nightmarish years, BP is still trying to restore the value of its brand to 2006 levels. Revenue has been boosted by record oil prices, but its reputation has been tarnished further by problems and incidents in Alaska and Texas City, while instability in its Russian TNK-BP venture threatens to cause more harm. On a more positive note, BP is now seen as a leader in working towards greener energy. Its investments in sustainable energy sources work to reduce exposure to the price of oil and the ultimate threat of its exhaustion.
85	88		United States	Restaurants	3,879	7%
		Despite a challenging year for the business, Starbucks has focused its energies on rebuilding the brand. As the credit crunch bites, consumers are less willing to pay a premium for what has effectively become a daily staple. The success of Starbucks has made other outlets up their game, with brands like McDonald’s offering coffee arguably as good for a fraction of the price. In the US, Starbucks is cutting costs through layoffs and shutting down 600 under-performing shops. It’s a story repeated in Australia, where 61 of its 85 stores were closed as the brand offered no real benefit over local coffee houses. Despite its problems, Starbucks is fighting back by focusing on the experience of its outlets, exploring music and entertainment initiatives, and improving service by retraining baristas and engaging them with the brand.
86	81		Netherlands	Financial Services	3,768	-3%
		ING has continued to differentiate itself in the marketplace, emphasizing its reputation of being “easy to work with.” While the bank has been hit by the US financial crisis, it has not been effected as dramatically as some others within the industry. ING has continued to build awareness through advertising and its sponsorship of the Renault Formula One racing team.
87	77		United States	Consumer Electronics	3,721	-10%
		Motorola has lost its category leadership position. Through a lack of innovation and growth into new segments, the brand is in serious decline. While innovative new products from Apple, Samsung, Nokia, and BlackBerry tap into fast-changing consumer needs, Motorola has been left behind and has seen its 2007 self-claimed 14% market share erode further. With the business due to be split into two divisions, time will tell if the changes can lead to a sharper focus.
88	89		United States	Consumer Electronics	3,682	2%
		The Duracell bunny just keeps on going, albeit without spectacular ascent. With many gadgets now favoring rechargeable lithium batteries, you’d be forgiven for thinking the market is shrinking. But driven by demand in developing markets, particularly in Latin America, where distribution has been vastly increased, the brand has built on the gains made last year.
89	91		United Kingdom	Alcohol	3,590	6%
		Smirnoff has continued to be the worldwide vodka of choice, with sales steadily growing in all markets, particularly the US. The launch of Smirnoff Ice Light is appealing to a more health-conscious female market and builds on the success of its vodka-based alcopops range. The brand has been engaging with consumers in new ways of late, making the most of interactive media such as blogs and video to appeal to younger drinkers, and building up a long list of action-movies where its products have been placed.
90	92		Japan	Automotive	3,588	7%
		Clever marketing in the US has maintained the perception that Lexus is an American brand, rather than Japanese. This is vital in a country where people prefer to buy home grown products. Elsewhere, the brand is seen as less exciting and sporty than its nearest rivals, BMW and Mercedes, but this hasn’t stopped its growth. It has invested heavily in hybrid cars with its sister brand Toyota. This makes it an increasingly popular choice in places like London where this technology is exempt from the Congestion Charge tax.
91	94		Italy	Luxury	3,585	9%
		Prada has been the top spender on marketing and advertising among the luxury global brands. With the Chinese market expected to account for 10% of global sales by 2010, the region has been a key focus for development. The Prada phone, developed in conjunction with LG, was well received and helped the brand to reach new audiences.
92	90		United States	Personal Care	3,582	4%
		The continued emphasis of family and ethical values has helped the Johnson & Johnson brand maintain a place in people’s hearts, with a wide range of products and partnerships doing the balance sheet no harm either. With the acquisition of Pfizer, the brand has become a worldwide force, which may, in time, stretch the perception of it being a family company.
93	New		Italy	Automotive	3,527	New
		Ferrari has always been a highly desirable brand, but this year sees it break into the list for the first time. Increasing global prosperity over the last decade has made the brand increasingly attainable. Ferrari has managed the growth well by limiting production and maintaining a sense of exclusivity to the brand. Despite a fall in the value of the US dollar, (which made the car relatively more expensive in one of Ferrari’s key markets), the brand achieved record-breaking sales last year. This was supported by huge growth in emerging markets where the brand is increasingly bought as a status symbol.
94	New		Italy	Luxury	3,526	New
		As one of the world’s most dynamic fashion brands, Armani has a long track record of promoting the luxury Italian lifestyle. But recent investments in new categories have helped the brand reach out to new audiences. The Armani brand now stretches into areas as diverse as fragrance (Armani Code), home furnishings (Armani Casa), technology (co-branding with Samsung) and hotels (the first Armani hotel opened in 2008 in Dubai).
95	87		France	Alcohol	3,513	-3%
		While emerging markets like China and Russia fuel growth, the Hennessy brand is in decline in the US as consumers switch to alternatives like whisky and other spirits. Recently the brand has tried to reinforce its brand message with an advertising campaign built on its values of “heritage” and “authenticity.”
96	New		United States	Hospitality	3,502	New
		With a classic approach to hospitality, Marriott has seen its focus on availability and assurance of service and quality pay dividends. By asserting itself as a class above competitors and continuing efforts to enhance its image among frequent business travellers, it has demonstrated a strong grasp of the industry. It has also generated positive press for its long-standing sustainability initiatives, including efforts to significantly reduce energy and carbon emissions across its network. As the brand embarks on an ambitious project to roll out a series of boutique hotels under the brand “Edition,” its place as a leading hospitality brand looks assured.
97	93		Netherlands	Energy	3,471	4%
		Despite the problems affecting the industry, Shell has continued to bolster its strength internationally. It is one of the most recognizable petroleum brands in the world, with a presence in 110 countries and a reputation for being a good employer. Shell believes so strongly in its business principles that its set up a whistle-blowing website for employees worldwide to report any violations they come across and, like its peers, it is investing heavily in alternative energy sources.
98	96		Germany	Personal Care	3,401	9%
		Already a leader in skin care, it’s the expansion into areas such as hair care that’s helping the brand build on its success in the last few years. Nivea has demonstrated an ability to adapt to customer needs and tailor products for the Asian and Latin American markets. The “Beauty is” advertising campaign has resonated well around the world, presenting beauty as something that is within everybody and challenging traditional stereotypes of what is considered beautiful.
99	New		United States	Transportation	3,359	New
		Despite a downturn in the US market, FedEx is benefitting from the growth in global trade and has continued to strengthen its brand in emerging markets. Awareness has been raised after heavy investment in sponsorship and advertising, including a campaign for the rebranded Kinko’s, which is now called FedEx Office.
100	New		United States	Financial Services	3,338	New

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