The list was compiled using YouGov BrandIndex, which tracks consumer perception of brands through daily nationally representative surveys in 15 countries around the world. Each brand is assigned a “Buzz” score based on whether respondents have heard anything positive or negative about a brand in the last two weeks, through advertising, news, word-of-mouth or friends and family.

The results were based on the number of countries surveyed where they rank in the top 25 and saw Samsung, Google and YouTube take the first three spots. VW along with and American electronics brand Apple came in fourth globally while Audi and BMW came in fifth, with both brands making the top 25 in both Brazil and China and enjoying a strong global profile in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

YouGov BrandIndex CEO Ted Marzilli said: ‘Three German automakers, Volkswagen, Audi and BMW, made our global super brands list, which shows the high regard that consumers around the world have for German craftsmanship in the auto category. In addition to being top brands in the European markets, they also rate highly in Brazil and China, which are the new frontiers of the global economy.’