Sept. 22, 2008 - So says Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2008 report, which finds companies from Honda to GE to BP earning a bump in their ratings thanks to significant investments in sustainable products and business practice.

Sustainability efforts in product development as well as operations have contributed to companies earning higher rankings in this year’s list. While automakers like Honda (No. 20) and Mercedes (No. 11) are creating new, more fuel efficient car models, companies like GE (No. 4) and BP (No. 84) are increasing their brand valuation by investing a substantial amount in sustainable business practices. BP also rose among the ranks as a result of its leadership position in working towards greener energy, investing in sustainable energy sources.

"The Best Global Brands 2008 ranking is a reflection of the global economy – the current credit crisis in the U.S., the growth of emerging markets and the increased emphasis on sustainability are all key trends that resulted in brands rising or failing on the list," says Jez Frampton, global CEO of Interbrand. "The increasing complexities of the global economy reinforce the importance of protecting and growing a brand. It is a company’s most valuable asset – and a far less volatile asset than others during a time of economic uncertainty."

Coca-Cola (No.1) remains the best global brand for the eighth year in a row. The biggest upsets in this year’s top ten are IBM (No.2) pushing Microsoft (No. 3) out of second position, and Google (no.10) moving into the top ten, from 20th position last year. Brands that fell significantly on the 2008 list include Ford (No. 49) and Gap (No. 77).

The methodology for the BusinessWeek/Interbrand Best Global Brands 2008 list evaluates brand value in the same way any other corporate asset is valued—on the basis of how much it is likely to earn for the company in the future. Interbrand uses a combination of analysts’ projections, company financial documents, and its own qualitative and quantitative analysis to arrive at a net present value of those earnings.

The Top 10 Global Brands for 2008 are:

1. Coca-Cola
2. IBM
3. Microsoft
4. GE
5. Nokia
6. Toyota
7. Intel
8. McDonald’s
9. Disney
10. Google

To view the list in its entirety, click here.