Indian tyre manufacturers have made a historic sweep in the Brand Finance Tyres 25 2026 rankings, with MRF, CEAT, and Apollo Tyres all placing among the world’s top 10 strongest tyre brands. MRF ranked 3rd globally with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.7, behind only Michelin and Goodyear. CEAT secured 4th place with a score of 84.9, ahead of Bridgestone, Yokohama, Continental, and Pirelli. Apollo Tyres ranked 6th globally in the Indian tyre brands global ranking 2026, with Brand Finance specifically highlighting Apollo as the tyre brand recording the largest increase in Brand Strength Index score among the top 25 brands worldwide.
Brand Finance’s annual Tyres 25 ranking evaluates tyre brands on metrics including brand investment, equity, and business performance. The 2026 edition marks the first time three Indian tyre brands have simultaneously occupied the global top 10 — a milestone that reflects over two decades of strategic investment in technology, motorsport partnerships, and international market expansion by India’s tyre majors.
How Did MRF Achieve Third Place Globally?
MRF’s brand strength score of 87.7 — placing it third globally behind Michelin (rank 1) and Goodyear (rank 2) — reflects the company’s commanding 25%+ domestic market share in India, its iconic association with cricket and motorsport (including its branding on bats used by leading international cricketers), and a product portfolio spanning passenger cars, trucks, two-wheelers, and off-road vehicles. MRF has also invested heavily in its F1 development programme and produces tyres for multiple motorsport series in India. Revenue from MRF’s tyre operations crossed ₹25,000 crore in FY26, cementing its position as the highest-revenue tyre company in India.
What Drove Apollo Tyres’ Largest Brand Score Increase?
Apollo Tyres recorded the largest jump in Brand Strength Index score among all top 25 global tyre brands in 2026 — a recognition of its accelerating international brand-building. Apollo’s European operations (Vredestein brand), its partnerships with German automakers for OEM tyre supply, and a sustained digital marketing investment have elevated brand perception internationally. The company reported FY26 consolidated revenue of ₹28,471 crore and net profit of ₹1,372 crore, demonstrating the commercial momentum behind the brand investment. Apollo’s India domestic volumes also benefited from healthy replacement demand and new model launches across the two-wheeler and commercial vehicle segments.
Market Reaction and Industry Response
Shares of MRF, CEAT, Apollo Tyres, and JK Tyre rallied up to 6% on the BSE following strong automobile sales data and healthy replacement demand signals. CEAT’s 4th-place global ranking — ahead of Bridgestone, Yokohama, and Pirelli — was particularly noted by analysts as a sign of India’s growing brand credibility in a segment traditionally dominated by Japanese and European players. The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) attributed the rise of Indian brands globally to disciplined R&D investment, improved product quality perception, and successful motorsport activations that have raised brand visibility in export markets across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
What Happens Next?
India’s tyre sector is expected to face export pressure in H1 FY27 due to the ongoing West Asia conflict raising crude oil and rubber prices, but domestic demand remains healthy on the back of record auto production. Analysts from IIFL Securities forecast that MRF and CEAT are best-positioned to hold margins through this period given their dominant domestic market positions and lower export exposure compared to Apollo. The next Brand Finance Tyres 25 ranking will be released in 2027, and all three Indian brands are expected to maintain or improve their positions given ongoing brand investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Brand Finance Tyres 25 ranking?
Brand Finance Tyres 25 is an annual ranking that evaluates and scores the world’s top 25 tyre brands on Brand Strength Index (BSI) metrics including brand investment, brand equity, and business performance. A higher BSI score indicates a stronger overall brand.
How did Indian tyre brands rank in Brand Finance Tyres 25 2026?
MRF ranked 3rd globally (BSI 87.7), CEAT ranked 4th (BSI 84.9), and Apollo Tyres ranked 6th in the Brand Finance Tyres 25 2026 rankings — marking the first time three Indian brands simultaneously appeared in the global top 10.
Why is Apollo Tyres highlighted in Brand Finance Tyres 25 2026?
Brand Finance specifically noted Apollo Tyres as the brand recording the largest increase in Brand Strength Index score among all top 25 global tyre brands in 2026, reflecting the company’s accelerating international brand-building and European market presence through the Vredestein brand.
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