India’s automobile industry has strengthened its global footing, with eight homegrown brands featuring in the latest Automobiles 100 2026 ranking by Brand Finance, a brand valuation consultancy firm. Adding to this, four Indian brands ranked among the world’s top 10 in terms of brand strength, signalling rising brand value and growing consumer trust.

Leading the chart is Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), which emerged as the country’s most valuable auto brand in the list, ranking 25th globally. The company’s brand value rose 17% year-on-year to $3.8 billion, supported by a strong Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 86.5 and an AAA rating, as per the report.

The report also highlighted that M&M ranked as the eighth strongest automobile brand worldwide.

“Mahindra’s rise reflects a strategy centred on SUVs, electric mobility, and distribution strength,” the report noted. It added that flagship models like the Scorpio and its EV range continue to resonate with consumers, supported by strong brand equity and alignment with preferences for larger, versatile vehicles.

“Higher SUV margins, disciplined cost management, and platform sharing have reinforced profitability,” it said. The group’s push into EVs through the Born Electric platform and global partnerships is expected to further support growth, while its tractors and farm equipment business provides resilience against cyclical downturns in passenger vehicles.

Royal Enfield, Tata Motors, Maruti feature in the list

Beyond Mahindra’s strong performance, several Indian brands also made notable progress in the ranking. Among other standout performers, Royal Enfield ranked as the third strongest automobile brand globally, with an AAA rating and a BSI score of 88.9. Its brand value surged 30% to $1.2 billion, driven by strong global demand for its premium motorcycles and lifestyle positioning.

Tata Motors also featured prominently, ranking fifth among the strongest automobile brands with a BSI score of 88.1 and an AAA rating. Its brand value stood at $3.3 billion, with Brand Finance’s market research indicating that the company is strongly perceived on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters, likely due to its EV focus.

The company continues to benefit from strong domestic familiarity and credibility, along with a positive perception on ESG parameters, aided by its electric vehicle push.

“In its home market of India, the brand benefits from high familiarity and strong perceptions of credibility; however, there remains scope to strengthen consumer advocacy and improve emotional affinity to drive greater likeability,” the report noted.

Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki climbed to 34th place globally, with its brand value rising 9% to $2.7 billion. Retaining its AAA rating and a BSI score of 87.2, it ranked as the sixth strongest automobile brand worldwide, reflecting its enduring reputation for reliability and trust among consumers.

Other Indian brands also made their mark in the ranking. Bajaj Auto saw its brand value decline 21% to $2.5 billion, while Hero MotoCorp recorded a 7% drop to $1.5 billion. In contrast, TVS Motor Company posted a 16% rise in brand value to $1.3 billion, and Ashok Leyland saw a 6% increase to $727.3 million.

According to Ajimon Francis, Managing Director, Brand Finance India, Indian auto brands are building “strong, distinctive identities with global relevance,” driven by product innovation, expanding EV ambitions, and deeper consumer trust.

“This year’s results highlight a clear shift in the global automotive landscape. Indian brands are no longer competing solely on affordability or domestic scale; they are building strong, distinctive identities with global relevance,” he said.

He added that Mahindra’s rise, alongside the strong performance of brands like Royal Enfield and Tata Motors, reflects a broader transformation driven by product innovation, growing EV ambitions, and deeper consumer trust.

As these brands continue to scale internationally, India is fast establishing itself as a serious force in the global automotive sector, Francis said.