Top 10 Global Brand Recognition Rankings

Google,  Apple, and Nintendo are among this year’s top gainers in anual brand recognition ratings.

1.  Coca-Cola

Based in U.S. Flagging appetite for soda has cut demand for Coke, but the beverage giant has a raft of new products in the pipeline that could reverse its recent slide.

2.  Microsoft

Based in U.S. Threats from Google and Apple haven’t yet offset the power of its Windows and Office monopolies.

3.  IBM

Based in U.S. Having off-loaded its low-profit PC business to Lenovo, IBM is marketing on the strategic level to corporate leaders.

4.  GE

Based in U.S. The brand Edison built has extended its reach from ovens to credit cards, and the “Ecomagination” push is making GE look like a protector of the planet.

5.  Intel

Based in U.S. Profits and market share weren’t the only things slammed by rival AMD. Intel’s brand value tumbled 9%, as it loss business from high-profile customers.

6.  Nokia

Based in Finland Fashionable designs and low-cost models for the developing world enabled the mobile phone maker to regain ground against competitors.

7.  Toyota

Based in Japan Toyota is closing in on GM to become the world’s biggest automaker. A slated 10% increase in U.S. sales this year will help even more.

8.  Disney

Based in U.S. New CEO Robert Iger expanded the brand by buying animation hit-maker Pixar and beefing up digital distribution of TV shows through the Internet and iPods.

9.  McDonald’s

Based in U.S. A new healthy-living marketing campaign—and the premium-priced sandwiches and salads that came with it—have led to a fourth year of sales gains.

10.  Mercedes-Benz

Based in Germany The new S-Class sedan and M-Class SUV are helping repair a tarnished quality reputation. High costs, low demand and weak margins will take longer to fix. AMG division justifies its premium price, performance and quality.