Recently, Forbes released its list of the World’s Most Valuable Brands for 2012. If we have to summarize it, we would say that 2012 is dominated by technology.

Smartphones – The Key to Success

There are more than five tech corporations in The Top 10 of the World’s Most Valuable Brands chart. However, that is not the most interesting thing. There is a curious trend among this year’s top brands. Many of them have either launched a smartphone device this year, or have at least participated in the making of one.

Microsoft (2), IBM (4), Google (5), Intel (9) and Nokia (10) have all been there and have done it. These companies launched a number of products this year which managed to raise their value. However, it seems that the smartphone market is a powerful stepping stone for brands this year.

The Two Biggest Rivals

That is the case with the top achiever in the 2012 Most Valuable Brands list, Apple. This year the corporation managed to maintain its leading position on the electronic devices market. The giant recently released its next-generation iPhone, which quickly became the fastest selling smartphone. The brand value of Apple is estimated to the highly impressive $57.4 billion.

In comparison, Apple’s biggest competition, Samsung, is nowhere to be seen in the top 10. Actually, not even in the top 20! This year Forbes ranked Samsung barely at spot 33. Despite the fact that the Korean corporation is enjoying 17% higher sales in the last three years, its brand value is only $12.8 billion. Or maybe, the company’s battles with the US-based Apple affected the sentiment of Forbes editors?

Still Here

Coca-Cola is also doing great these days. So great, that you can now watch on DubaiOneTV four ads for Coca-Cola in half hour only. The brand is 3rd on the list of the World’s Most Valuable Brands. Every year Coca-Cola sells dozens of billions of cases worldwide. Therefore, it is not surprising that the brand’s worth is estimated to $55.4 billion. In contrast, Coca-Cola’s competition Pepsi is way back on the 24th spot.

Steady Drive

Automobile manufacturers are another popular industrial niche on the list. Toyota takes the lead on the 11th position with a brand value of $24.1 billion. Next, at number 16, ranks BMW. The German automaker is valued at $19.9 billion. BMW’s biggest rival on the Chinese market, Mercedes, is quickly gaining speed. This year it takes the 19th spot and it has increased its brand value to $18.8 billion.

Some Diversity

Technology, automobiles and cola are diversified by the presence of a few interesting brands. One of them is the food chain McDonald’s which takes the 6th position in the Most Valuable Brands list. The company serves over 60 million people all over the world and its value amounts to $35.9 billion.