Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®  Top Gun – The Need for Speed

Top Gun – The Need for Speed

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® thrives on tackling seemingly impossible work, developing technologies for tomorrow’s challenges before the need is even identified.

From creating radar evading stealth capabilities to X-planes that redefine the sonic boom to many revolutionary technologies in between, Skunk Works has a long tradition of quickly developing enduring innovation for when it’s needed most.

When the Top Gun: Maverick team was looking to push the envelope and stand true to Maverick’s Need for Speed, Skunk Works was their first call. With the Skunk Works expertise in developing the fastest known aircraft combined with a passion and energy for defining the future of aerospace, Darkstar’s capabilities could be more than mere fiction. They could be reality…

 

 

Meet the 60+ companies exhibiting at our upcoming EU-Startups Summit on May 12-13 in Barcelona!

This year’s EU-Startups Summit is finally going to happen next week in Barcelona! Connecting many of Europe’s most promising founders, exciting startups, top investors and the wider European startup community, we’ll have two days of networking, inspiration and learning carefully curated for you. There will be interesting fireside chats, insightful keynotes, an exciting pitch competition and so much more!

This year’s EU-Startups Summit will also be full of amazing exhibitors. From pet food to banking, these are the 60+ companies you should be looking forward to meeting in our exhibition area at the EU-Startups Summit! So, what are you waiting for? Get your ticket today.

Without further ado, below we’re introducing you to this year’s fantastic exhibitors:

TheGestor® logoThe Gestor: The Gestor is an easy-to-use app for the creation of invoices, receipt of payments, and taxes in real-time. The Gestor App is everything you need as an entrepreneur. The Gestor is based in Madrid & founded in 2019.

NCompass International logoNcompass: Builds bespoke software/products from the ground up! Effectively blending design thinking, great product engineering, customer centricity, and sound analytics. This way you can rapidly grow startups and scale-ups. Ncompass has operations in US, Europe and India & was founded in 2003.

Jetveo logoJetveo: The Jetveo Platform and App Builder combine an intuitive user interface with the power of C# to empower developers to quickly and efficiently provide business solutions to their customers. Jetveo App Builder streamlines everything from idea to launch. Jetveo is based in Brno & founded in 2016.

Kernel Edge: Kernal Edge is a software suite for Modern Fintechs. They’re here to help you accelerate your journey to market and beyond. They’d love to know where you currently are in your journey to see where they can help you advance, whether that be building technology solutions or partnering to invest. Kernel Edge is based in London & founded in 2020.

TeQatlas logoTeQatlas: TeQatlas is the first-on-the-market platform that enables founders and investors to find each other easily, managing capital and networks in one place. TeQatlas is based in Zurich & was founded in 2019.

Treezor logoTreezor: Treezor is an independent provider of outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payments. Founded in Paris, Treezor owns a European License and is one of the approved suppliers for MasterCard® Prepaid. As an e-money issuer and a payment institution. Treezor is based in Paris & was founded in 2016.

Envite logoEnvite: Envite is an all-in-one powerful web platform that enables individuals to sell & manage any online service at the click of a button. Through their platform, you can launch, manage, and market your skills with ease and effortless professionalism. Envite is based in Tel Aviv & was founded in 2020.

Sastrify logoSastrify: Sastrify is a virtual Software-as-a-Service procurement service, helping finance and tech teams to optimize the management and cost of SaaS tools in digital-first companies. Their team brings transparency to your existing setup, gets rid of underutilized licenses, and negotiates with your suppliers to get the best deals for you. Sastrify is based in Cologne & was founded in 2020.

Grace Denker Gallery: Grace Denker Gallery is a contemporary art gallery featuring authentic artworks and staging exclusive art events in the heart of Hamburg. It was founded in 2015 with the intention of supporting national and international artists. The gallerist is a successful entrepreneur who runs a school and several other projects in Germany.

Tourisfair: Tourisfair is creating something amazing to reactivate the travel industry and to offer travellers a useful tool that will increase your experience when planning, so that the next time you travel, you will really enjoy and visit the trip to the fullest. Tourisfair is based in Saarbrücken & was founded in 2020.

KOOHOO logoKoohoo: KOOHOO is based on matchmaking technology, which brings tailor-made accommodation and recreational offers directly to traveller’s phones. KOOHOO differs from any other travel platform where the traveller has to manually search to find offers. Koohoo is based in Tallinn & was founded in 2020.

Tennders logoTennders: Tennders is a European digital freight platform that simplifies the way shippers, carriers, and brokers connect. With a multicultural team of experts in inland freight transport. They are leveraging their team’s extensive knowledge, supported by their platform to provide an effective and great service to Tennders customers. Tennders is based in Barcelona & was founded in 2021.

Ad Up logoAdUp: AdUp ensures that your checkout will perform better. They do this through their fast checkout, but also a full hosted checkout. AdUp shortens the purchase process from an average of 3-5 minutes to 15 seconds, this results in ease of use and more orders! AdUp is based in Amsterdam & was founded in 2019.

Ipriq: Ipriq secures your brand. The IP law experts help you discover, identify, protect, manage, enforce, develop and leverage intellectual property, including trademarks, designs, patents, copyright, and domain names.

Monicont Technology: Monicont offers hardware and software solutions to its own portfolio of institutions, adding strength to the information sector, and is still moving towards its targets with strong, dynamic, professional, young staff. Monicont is based in Enschede & was founded in 2017.

Skorebee logoSkorebee: Based in Prague, Skorebee helps you explore and improve your social media image based on how you want to use social media and gives you a leaderboard to see where you rank amongst your friends, peers, and other social media users. The company was founded in 2017.

quizdom™ logoQuizdom: Play one against one, battle other players to discover if you are the fastest and smartest! The Athens-based development team has years of experience in mobile game development, and the entire team is dedicated to creating the very best experience in trivia gaming.

Lylu logoLylu: Lylu is improving the lives of millions of people by empowering them with technology. Founded in Darmstadt in 2020, the Lylu Tablet is the easiest and most effortless way for seniors to get online. At their heart is Lylu’s senior-friendly software.

Beyond logoBeyond Pricing: Beyond is the #1 Revenue Management Platform for short-term rental owners and managers to get, grow, and keep revenue. Their easy-to-use platform includes a dynamic, demand-driven pricing tool with extensive market data that pairs with OTA distribution and a best-in-class booking engine. Beyond is based in San Francisco & was founded in 2013.

Decarbonify: Based in Oslo, Decarbonify is an ESG-as-a-Service Data Platform, designed specifically for climate risk reduction and optimizing ESG opportunities. They bridge science-based ESG data and Business through their Decarbonify ESG-as-a-Service Digital Infrastructure.

XMED iQ - International Group logoXMED iQ: XMED iQ aggregates large volumes of medical device orders from hospitals through their fully-integrated sourcing platform, then puts these never-before-seen volumes out to tender across Europe. XMED iQ is based in London & was founded in 2021.

FLEXXI logoFLEXXI Care: The app connects families in need of respite care with safe and affordable caregivers for home care provision at the required time. FLEXXI users don’t need to have long-term obligations or a contract with a caregiving company. FLEXXI Care is based in Munich & was founded in 2020.

iPlena: Based in London, iPlena was born in 2021 with the aim to improve our daily postures. Using mobile body scanning algorithm for tailored osteopathic training, the startup is offering tech that rewires the central nervous system.iPlena is based in London & was founded in 2021.

GlucoActive Sp. z o.o. logoGluco Active: This Warsaw-based company offers a wearable device for non-invasive measurement of blood glucose concentration using spectrophotometric methods. It is intended for diagnostic, prophylactic purposes, in the process of diabetes treatment and control, and for sports applications. Gluco Active is based in Warsaw & was founded in 2019.

MEGI: Founded in Croatia in 2021, Megi is a virtual cardiovascular care assistant that aims to give patients back their confidence, quality of life and peace of mind. The innovative product combines clinical expertise with behavioural science and AI to enhance engagement between doctors and patients, and personalize care.

chartok logoChartok: Chartok, based in Barcelona, is developing a staff collaboration software to enable hotels to transform their internal processes into automated workflows with (RPA) Robot Process Automation. Founded in 2018, Chartok connects all hotel team’s tasks, docs, contacts, handbooks, apps, and suppliers together to be more connected, profitable, and productive through internal collaboration.

Type Studio logoType Studio: Type Studio is an online text-based video&audio editing tool that takes your content creation to a new level of simplicity. The Berlin-based company helps users to spend less time creating beautiful content and has been doing so since 2020.

Goto-Sportwear: Goto makes ecological, regenerated harnesses from marine plastic waste collected from the oceans. In their manufacturing process, Goto uses materials such as regenerated fishing nets and plastic bottles. Goto is currently based in Espoo & was founded in 2020.

CoachHub - The digital coaching platform logoCoachHub: CoachHub is the leading global talent development platform that enables organizations to create a personalized, measurable, and scalable coaching program for the entire workforce, regardless of department and seniority level. The Berlin-based company’s co-founder, Yannis,  will also be joining us to give a talk on how to ensure employees feel valued.

Fish&Burger logoFish&Burger: Fish & Burger works with a network of digital specialists who help customers’ online activities to grow exponentially. The Dutch firm’s approach is aimed at utilizing the growth potential of their customers. Founded in 2021, they do this by taking on the challenge together with the best specialists in the market. Find out about how they scaled BlaBlaCar here.

6Minded logo6minded: Polish firm 6Minded is a team of experts on a mission to fuel your inbound marketing. They believe that inbound marketing is powerful, but it’s not for every company. Founded in 2013, the company establishes inbound marketing strategies specific to different needs.

sun_logo.pngSolea: Solea embodies the tasteful ideals of the Mediterranean in a Hard Seltzer; it is refreshing, all-natural, and effortlessly cool. Solea has it all – the guilt-free alcoholic option, great taste and low calories. It’s bound to be sunny in Barcelona, so why not give it a try?

Futura Vive:  Based in Madrid, Futura Vive is developing and distributing robots for the hospitality, health, restaurant and retail sectors. The company was founded in 2007 and is using AI to develop the assistants of the future. Futura Vive counts global brands like Repsol, Accenture  and Volkswagen as clients.

Economic AcceleratorEconomic Accelerator: The Economic Accelerator is a program of the Institute for Eastern Studies Foundation – the organizer of the Economic Forum, which has been creating the largest business and political conference in Central and Eastern Europe for 30 years. Based in Warsaw, the mission is to build a place of dialogue for representatives of major businesses, experts, government administration and startups. Economic Accelerator will be exhibiting with two projects:

The Małopolska Innovation Rocket:

Score Digital: Founded in 2019, Score Digital supports market challengers by delivering end-to-end digital product development services, helping companies transform powerful ideas into game-changing products.

Medical Simulation Technologies: This Polish startup is an innovative startup developing and implementing medical simulations for teaching medical personnel. The aim is to use tech to advance medical specialism.

Versatilex: Versatilex is a Polish startup in the automation machinery and manufacturing sector. It was founded in 2015.

The Dolnośląskie Innovation Rocket:

Robotivity: Founded in 2018, Robotivity is a team of creative and innovative developers that offer consulting in the area of process improvement and automation.

Nsflow: Offering an all-in-one platform enabling users to design and deploy AR applications, Nsflow was founded in 2018 with the goal to o transform the process of creating AR applications by moving it from the sphere of customized services to DIY zone.

Qualpro: Traveltech startup Qualpro is working to support hospitality businesses with proRMS – an intelligent and intuitive Revenue Management System.

Commit Global logoCommit Global: CGT Commit Global Translations is a leading language services provider founded in 1997. Today, with offices in Europe and the United States, Commit Global helps corporations around the world deliver their products, and services as well as market their brands in the local language. You can find out more about their support in scaling internationally here.

Intergiro logoIntergiro: Whether you are automating your business finances or providing banking services to your customers, Intergiro’s APIs give you the financial toolkit to build, adapt and thrive. Intergrio is a Stockholm-based company, founded in 2014, and growing fast.

Camaloon logoCamaloon: A Barcelona-based company, Camaloon’s vision and ambition are to make possible the customization of any product in any possible technique as well as deliver it in the fastest time and highest quality.

CometChat logoCometchat: CometChat empowers developers to quickly add text, voice, and video chat to their websites and apps. Its customers are in the virtual event, telehealth, EduTech, marketplace, and on-demand industries and use CometChat for it’s secure, scalable, and easy-to-use platform.

Swan logoSwan: Swan is a Paris-based firm that offers an embedded finance platform. Via Swan’s simple APIs, European companies can integrate banking services (accounts, cards, and IBANs) quickly and easily into their own product. Founded in 2019, the innovative company is providing super-smooth user experiences.

Nebeus logoNebeus: Nebeus is a Barcelona-based cryptocurrency app and desktop platform that allows people to secure loans using their digital assets as collateral, as well as exchange, earn and securely hold their crypto in insured cold storage vaults.

Deel logoDeel: Deel is a global payroll solution that helps businesses hire anyone, anywhere. Using a tech-enabled self-serve process, you can now hire independent contractors or full-time employees in over 150 countries, compliantly and in minutes. Today, Deel, based in California, serves 4,500+ customers from SMBs to publicly traded companies.

Safeguard Global logoSafeguard Global: Safeguard Global is a future of work company that helps workers and companies thrive in the global economy. Backed by a data-rich technology platform, local expertise, and industry-leading experience, Safeguard Global provides end-to-end solutions to manage people and scale operations. With Safeguard Global, organizations can recruit, hire, operate and pay anywhere in the world, no matter where they are in their growth journey.

EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme logoEUSPA: The EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) provides safe and performant space services, enabling synergies, EU innovation, sustainability, and security. EUSPA’s core mission is to implement the EU Space Programme and to provide reliable, safe and secure space-related services, maximising their socio-economic benefits for European society and business.

Amazon Business logoAmazon Business: Founded in 2015, Amazon Business simplifies the purchasing process to make it easier for its customers to get the products they need. They solve for its customers’ unmet and undiscovered needs — continuously expanding their selection and adding relevant new tools and features.

SafetyWing logoSafetyWing: The Californian company SafetyWing is building the first global safety net for remote companies, remote workers, and nomads worldwide. Their products are built and designed by a fully remote team of nomads distributed across three continents.

Freshworks logoFreshworks: Founded in 2010, Freshworks Inc., (NASDAQ: FRSH)  on a mission to empower the people who power business, making it fast and easy for companies to deliver top-notch customer service and have high-ranking levels of employee satisfaction. The company builds tech that works for everyone, making it easy for IT, customer service, sales, marketers and HR to do their job. Find out about the exclusive benefits of the Freshworks for Startups program for EU-Startups members, and also check out John Crossan’s talk during the summit.

Silicon Castles: Silicon Castles is a tech company builder and strategic business accelerator that focuses on “European Diamonds” – tech startups that have a unique business idea solving a real problem, use scalable tech and outstanding intellectual property. The aim is to help European startups make the leap from having great tech and talent to becoming global success stories. The team will also be giving a masterclass on how to go from idea to global success.

Webex: Webex is a leading provider of cloud-based collaboration solutions which includes video meetings, calling, messaging, events, and customer experience solutions like contact center and purpose-built collaboration devices. Webex is based in California & was founded in 1995, the company ahs been paving the way in providing devices that are making the new world of hybrid work, work.

Dassault Systems: Dassault Systems, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. Dassault provides businesses and people with collaborative 3D virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. They have worked with hundreds of startups to support their dreams and help them scale-up and launch innovative and disruptive products onto the global market. Fundamentally, Dassault Systemes believes that the only progress is human, and startups are pivotal to driving it forward.

Marketer Hire: Headquartered in California & founded in 2018, the mission is to connect top marketing talent with experience from global brands and hot startups with businesses quickly and seamlessly. Marketer Hire provides the fast, easy way to get access to the world’s best marketers. Its recent launch into Europe means you now have on-demand access to its global network of expert, pre-vetted marketers with zero financial risk and full flexibility.

Nestle Purina: One of the world’s most iconic pet brands, Purina knows that many of us are pet owners, and the people working at Purina are pet owners themselves, that is why they know firsthand how important pets are in people’s lives. They are committed to creating nutritious foods that will keep cats and dogs of all ages happy, healthy, and content. Unleashed, powered by Purina, is the startup accelerator fueling pet tech and pet care innovation – we’ll have a dedicated pet tech session at the summit as well!

Petopy logoPetopy: Petopy is a London based startup that provides stress-free at-home veterinary services and telehealth services to pet owners With Petopy, your veterinarian is always with you – whether you want to make a video call or have your veterinarians visit you at home.

ROCKETO logoRocketo: ROCKETO is a pet food innovator, closely mimicking how a dog might eat in the wild. It is entirely free of toxins and made by using ingredients only in their natural form – as supplied by Mother Nature since the dawn of time. Rocketo is based in London & was founded in 2017.

Doggies in Town logoDoggies in Town: Doggies in Town is an all-in-one app for dog owners to easily find dog-friendly places, dog products, dog services, activities, events, and direct booking to pet services. Doggies in Town is based in Malaga & was founded in 2020, helping pet owners enjoy more recreational activities with their fur babies.

HiPets logoHiPets: For all busy but loving and caring pet parents, Warsaw-based HiPets is creating a mobile and web app that enables instant booking for all pet-related services – starting with a vet and ending up with pet sitting. Founded in 2020, we put them on our list of Polish startups to watch this year.

Animoscope logoAnimoscope: Animoscope is a telehealth service provider for pet owners, specializing in generating and exploiting data. The company empowers pet owners to make the right decision by making complex medical things easy to interpret. Animoscope is based in Paris & was founded in 2019.

Kibus Petcare logoKibus Petcare: Kibus Petcare meets the nutritional needs of pets through technologies that allow a tastier, healthier, and more natural diet. With Kibus, which is based in Barcelona, customers receive a robotic food dispenser and monthly packets of pet food.

Dogo - your dog's favourite app logoDogo: Dogo is a mobile app for dog training. The Berlin-based company wants to make dog training easy, fun, affordable, and social. Since 2016, its app offers daily training that helps you teach your dog new tricks, and skills and spend quality time together.

InterPets logoInterpets: Based in Munich, Interpets is on a mission to help us understand our pets. Founded in 2020, its tech helps us to become better pet parents by improving your understanding of your pet’s emotions, behaviours, and health.

GSMA Celebrates a Vibrant MWC22 Barcelona

GSMA Celebrates a Vibrant MWC22 Barcelona

 

More than 61,000 attendees convened in-person from around the world to discuss the convergence of mobile, the potential of the metaverse and transforming vertical industries

3 March 2022, Barcelona: The GSMA is celebrating a vibrant and dynamic edition of MWC Barcelona and there was no doubt it was the place to do business. The world’s largest and most influential connectivity event hosted over 61,000 attendees from almost 200 countries. It was the centre of discussion and debate, the place where leaders in the mobile ecosystem continued charting the future to achieve the full potential of technology.

GSMA Celebrates a Vibrant MWC22 Barcelona

GSMA Celebrates a Vibrant MWC22 Barcelona

“Nothing beats MWC in person, and it was exciting to bring our community – which is so passionate about connectivity – back together to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead.” John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd. said. “On behalf of the GSMA, I would like to thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners who came together to make MWC22 so productive, safe, and successful. I also want to thank Barcelona City Council, Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation, Fira de Barcelona, Tourism de Barcelona (the Host City Parties), the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Mobile World Capital, and the people of Catalonia and Spain. Your support is unwavering, and your creativity, hospitality, and perseverance continually inspire us.”

Connectivity Unleashed

Over four days, more than 1,900 companies joined MWC22 Barcelona to showcase the role of mobile technology in unleashing connectivity, exploring https://www.mwcbarcelona.com sponsored by Salesforce, https://www.mwcbarcelona.comhttps://www.mwcbarcelona.com, CloudNet by Kyndryl, FinTech, and the Tech Horizon.

Thought leadership from entrepreneurs, government ministers, and extraordinary people pushing the boundaries of our imaginations spoke from stages across the event. From traditional industries to award-winning filmmakers speakers challenged and inspired attendees to think about new ways of leveraging technology.

Vertical collaboration, startup innovation, and much more at MWC22

Again this year, the Ministerial Programme at MWC was the centre of global digital policy debate. With more than 160 delegations from countries and international institutions around the world, policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and the international development community exchanged experiences and views on how to build policies for a digital world, maximise the potential of 5G, close the digital gap, and meet global climate targets. As the world becomes increasingly digital, there was broad agreement that we need more collaboration and cooperation amongst all stakeholders to expand digital inclusion for all. This year, leaders like Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the U.S. FCC, and Minister Paula Ingabire of Rwanda not only contributed to the conversation in the Ministerial Programme, but brought their policy priorities to the MWC keynote stage.

All-new for this year’s edition, Industry City, co-delivered with Knowledge Partner Accenture showcased demos from the FinTech, Manufacturing, and Automotive sectors. With a buzz of activity, Industry City was a must-see space at the event. Visitors had the opportunity to experience a range of Summits covering robotics and smart mobility topics through interactive metaverse tours and demonstrations from partners and the GSMA Foundry programme.

Focus on the local entrepreneurial startup community returned with the 4YFN (Four Years from Now) programme – supported by platinum sponsor BStartup Banco Sabadell – as it welcomed over 500 international startups and over 300 speakers to share insights on how to drive the ecosystem forward. Competing for more than €24 billion of investment, 200 startups pitched to leading funds, VCs, and CVCs during the event.

MWC22 by the numbers

  • Over 61,000 unique people attended in person
  • Around 500,000 unique virtual and daily viewers on MWC22 and partner platforms
  • Representation from almost 200 countries and territories
  • Over 1,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners
  • Over 1,000 speakers, 97% in person and 36% women
  • More than 50% of attendees were Directors and C-Suite executives, 20% were CEOs and founders, 25% were women
  • Millions tuned into MWC22 Barcelona content via Mobile World Live global syndication and official national and international broadcasters.
  • More than 1,600 international journalists were onsite

Our gratitude

“The momentum leading into MWC22 was palpable, and it delivered,” said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA. “In the spirit of our theme ‘Connectivity Unleashed’, we saw how industries were going beyond simple connectivity to deliver meaningful connectivity, deploying technology in ground-breaking ways that will shape industry and society. I thank every person who helped make MWC Barcelona 2022 an unmissable event – and as we move to a ‘digital everything’ world, I look forward to seeing what we achieve next year!”

MWC22 was covered by Mobile World Live, CNBC, Euronews, Financial Times, TIME, The Wall Street Journal Barron’s Group, and more than 1,600 international journalists. Featured Media Partners include C114, Insider Intelligence, Radio + Television Business Report, Technology Record, and TeleSemana. A huge thank you to all our MWC22 partners and sponsors. Your collaboration and support contributed significantly to the buzz and excitement of being together at this time.

Local initiatives like, Meet and Eat and Beat Barcelona showcased the best of the city. A preliminary economic analysis indicated that MWC will have contributed more than €240 million to Barcelona’s economy and created more than 6,700 part-time jobs in 2022. And once again, MWC was a carbon-neutral event.

Looking to the future

Following a successful MWC22 Barcelona, the GSMA is working hard to deliver the full MWC series in 2022. The next event, MWC Shanghai, will take place from 29th June – 1st July, followed by the inaugural MWC Las Vegas from 28th-30th September and rounded off by MWC Africa from 25-27th October – which will return in person to Kigali for the first time since 2019.

As the mobile industry gathered this week at MWC22, our thoughts have been with those suffering hardship and loss. Businesses, governments, and individuals alike are wrestling with meaningful ways to help, even as the conflict continues to escalate. Many of our members are responding by facilitating communication with loved ones and by addressing humanitarian needs.

Find out more about MWC Barcelona: www.mwcbarcelona.com.

About GSMA

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

We invite you to find out more at gsma.com.

 

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS REPORTS RECORD ANNUAL RESULTS FOR 2021

In 2021, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars delivered the highest-ever annual sales results in the marque’s 117-year history. The company delivered 5,586 motor cars to clients around the world, up 49% on the same period in 2020. This overall figure includes all-time record sales in most regions, including Greater China, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, and in multiple countries across the globe.

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reports record 2021 sales, up 49% on the same period in 2020
  • Highest sales in the marque’s 117-year history
  • All-time records set in most sales regions, including Greater China, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, and in multiple countries across the world
  • High demand for all models, particularly Ghost and Cullinan
  • Rolls-Royce is undisputed leader in the +€250k segment
  • Orders extend into third quarter of 2022; Bespoke commissions also at record levels
  • Record intake for Apprenticeship Programme: 37 apprentices join in September 2022


“2021 was a phenomenal year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We delivered more cars than at any time in the marque’s 117-year history with unprecedented demand for all products in every global market. Our extremely strong product portfolio, an exceptional Bespoke offering, together with the first full year of availability of Ghost, the launch of Black Badge Ghost in October and the continuing record demand for Bespoke personalisation, has contributed meaningfully to our extremely strong performance. This is hugely encouraging as we prepare for the historic launch of Spectre, our first all-electric car. Building on this year’s success, we will continue to evolve as a true luxury brand, beyond the realms of automotive manufacturing.”
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

In 2021, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars delivered the highest-ever annual sales results in the marque’s 117-year history.

The company delivered 5,586 motor cars to clients around the world, up 49% on the same period in 2020. This overall figure includes all-time record sales in most regions, including Greater China, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, and in multiple countries across the globe.

All Rolls-Royce models performed extremely strongly. Growth has been driven principally by Ghost, with demand surging further, following the launch of Black Badge Ghost in October 2021. This, together with the continuing pre-eminence of Cullinan and the marque’s pinnacle product, Phantom, has ensured order books are full well into the third quarter of 2022. The company’s Provenance (pre-owned) programme also enjoyed exceptional sales results in 2021, achieving an all-time record.

Bespoke commissions remain at record levels, with magnificent individual examples including the spectacular Phantom Oribe co-created with Hermès, alongside the Phantom Tempus, and Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Dawn Landspeed Collection cars. The company signalled its commitment to leading a new contemporary coachbuilding movement with Rolls‑Royce Coachbuild becoming a permanent fixture in its future portfolio, and with it the unveiling of its latest coachbuilt masterpiece, Boat Tail.

Rolls-Royce also announced its first all-electric car, Spectre, during 2021.  The extraordinary undertaking of bringing Spectre to market by the fourth quarter of 2023 has now begun, and the most punishing testing protocol ever conceived for a Rolls‑Royce is underway. This 2.5‑million-kilometre journey, which extends to all four corners of the world, will simulate more than 400 years of use for a Rolls‑Royce.

While preparations are made for the marque’s all-electric future, Rolls-Royce continues to meet the surge in demand for its current portfolio through a flexible manufacturing process and the dedication of the over 2,000 people who work at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex and around the world.  The Rolls-Royce factory at Goodwood is currently running at near-maximum capacity, on a two-shift pattern to fulfil orders from clients around the world.

Rolls-Royce will continue to invest in its manufacturing plant in readiness for electrification, and in future talent, with a record 37 new apprentices set to join the company in September 2022.

Reflecting on the results, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “This has been a truly historic year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. In the past 12 months, we have recorded our highest-ever annual sales, launched the latest addition to our Black Badge family, stunned the world with our coachbuilding capabilities and made huge strides into our all-electric future.

“As always, it has been made possible by the dedication and commitment of the extraordinary people at the Home of Rolls-Royce, our international team and our global dealer network. I wish to extend my thanks and congratulations to each and every one of them: it is my privilege and pleasure to work alongside them every day.”

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

Phantom: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 329-328 g/km; Fuel consumption: 19.5-19.6 mpg / 14.5-14.4 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 356-341 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.0-18.8 mpg / 15.7-15.0 l/100km.

Phantom Extended: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 329-328 g/km; Fuel consumption: 19.5-19.6 mpg / 14.5-14.4 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 356-341 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.0-18.8 mpg / 15.7-15.0 l/100km.

Ghost: NEDC (combined): CO2 emission: 343 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg / 15.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined): CO2 emission: 347-359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.88 – 18.58 mpg / 15.2-15.8 l/100km.

Black Badge Ghost: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 15.8 mpg / 18.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 359 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.9 mpg / 15.8 l/100km.

Black Badge Wraith: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 367 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.5 mpg / 16.1 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 370-365 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.2-17.4 mpg / 16.4-16.2 l/100km.

Black Badge Dawn: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 371 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.3 mpg / 16.3 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 382-380 g/km; Fuel consumption: 16.7-16.9 mpg / 16.9-16.8 l/100km.

Cullinan: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 341 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg / 15.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 377-355 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.0-18.1 mpg / 16.6-15.6 l/100km.

Kylian Mbappé joins Maison Dior

Kylian Mbappé joins Maison Dior

FASHION & LEATHER GOODS

Kylian Mbappé, the star striker of French football club Paris Saint-Germain, has been named the new ambassador of Maison Dior. He will lend his image to creations by Kim Jones, Artistic Director for Dior Men’s collections, as well as to the Sauvage fragrance.

Just weeks after the launch of a bespoke wardrobe designed for the Parisian club by Kim Jones, Dior continues its partnership with the world of football, announcing a new collaboration with Kylian Mbappé.

At the age of just 22, the young star is a major force on the French national team, with which he won the World Cup in 2018. The same year he was named best young player by FIFA and also won the KOPA Trophy for best under-21 player worldwide. His most recent exploit was scoring a quartet of goals on November 13 during a qualifying match – the first such feat since 1958 – ensuring France’s ticket to the 2022 World Cup.

Kylian Mbappé joins Maison Dior

Kylian Mbappé joins Maison Dior

The footballer’s accomplishments continue off the pitch as well through his involvement in numerous charity initiatives. Kylian Mbappé sponsors the “Premiers de Cordée” association, which gives hospitalized children a chance to discover and experience sports. In January 2020 he launched his own association, “Inspired by KM”, which motivates 98 children to achieve their objectives and make their dreams come true.

Maison Dior is delighted to welcome Kylian Mbappé, with whom it shares the values of excellence and generosity.

© DR

“Best Global Brands 2021”: Mercedes-Benz once again world’s most valuable luxury car brand

Mercedes-Benz has cemented its top place as the only European brand in the top ten of the “Best Global Brands 2021”. The brand with the three-pointed star stands at number eight in the latest rankings published by renowned US brand consultancy Interbrand – a position it has held since 2018. The brand value has risen three percent since 2020 to 50.866 billion US dollars. It means that Mercedes-Benz retains its position as the world’s most valuable luxury car brand for the sixth year in a row, and the only one in the top ten.


“Our continued ranking in the top ten and the increased brand value are successes that we at team Mercedes-Benz are very proud of. This result validates our strategic direction yet again – as a company but also in terms of our brand positioning. Across all our brands, Mercedes-Benz is transitioning from a traditional understanding of luxury to a modern interpretation that emphasises aspects such as approachability, innovation and individuality, that establishes an awareness of a world of new possibilities and that inspires enthusiasm for sustainable mobility,” says Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Communications and Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG

Mercedes-Benz is preparing itself for becoming all-electric before the end of the decade – wherever market conditions allow. The aim is to “Lead in Electric” and “Lead in Car Software”.
Indicator of the world’s most valuable brands US brand consultancy Interbrand has been conducting the “Best Global Brands” study since 1999.

The carefully researched index lists the top 100 of the most valuable brands worldwide and is widely considered the competitive benchmark and an important indicator used by CEOs around the globe. The renowned ranking system is based on three primary criteria: “The financial performance of the brand’s products or services”, “The role of the brand in the purchasing decision-making process” and “The strength of the brand when it comes to securing future returns for the company”. Certified to ISO 10668, the evaluation methodology was the first to establish a widely accepted standard for the comparison of brands and enables objective classification on a monetary basis. More information on the study and on Interbrand are available at: www.bestglobalbrands.com

Current Mortgage Rates Drop Back Below 3%

Money; Getty Images

Current mortgage rates moved lower this week with the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage settling in at 2.99%, according to Freddie Mac. The average rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage moved down to 2.23%, while the rate for 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage increased to 2.52%.

Mortgage rates slipped back under 3% this week after decreasing by just 0.02 percentage points from last week. However, rates remain above the 2.86%-2.88% range that had dominated in August and September.

Mortgage interest rates for the week of October 7, 2021

Money

Mortgage rate trends

The average rate for most types of loans trended lower this week:

  • The current rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.99% with 0.7 points paid, down 0.02 percentage points week-over-week. Last year, the interest rate averaged 2.87%The interest rate during the same week last year was 2.88%.
  • The current rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.23% with 0.7 points paid, 0.05 percentage points lower than a week ago. A year ago, the 15-year rate was 2.37%.
  • The current rate on a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage is 2.52% with 0.3 points paid, up 0.04 percentage points from the previous week. A year ago, the 5/1 ARM rate was 2.89%.

“Mortgage rates continue to hover around three percent again this week due to rising economic and financial market uncertainties,” said Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac. “Unfortunately, with the expectation that both mortgage rates and home prices will continue to rise, competition remains high and housing affordability is declining.”

With home prices still near record highs, homebuyers are paying an average of $50 more on their mortgage payments over the last six weeks than earlier this year, according to a report from real estate brokerage Redfin.

Today’s mortgage rates and your monthly payment

The rate on your mortgage makes a big difference in how much home you can afford and the size of your monthly payments.

If you bought a $250,000 home and made a 20% down payment — $50,000 — you would end up with a starting loan balance of $200,000. On a $200,000 home loan with a fixed rate for 30 years:

  • At 3% interest rate = $843 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
  • At 4% interest rate = $955 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
  • At 6% interest rate = $1,199 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
  • At 8% interest rate = $1,468 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)

You can experiment with a mortgage calculator to find out how much a lower rate or other changes could impact what you pay.

Other factors that determine how much you’ll pay each month include:

  • Loan Term: Choosing a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year mortgage will increase monthly mortgage payments but reduce the amount of interest paid throughout the life of the loan.
  • Fixed vs. ARM: The mortgage rates on adjustable-rate mortgages reset regularly (after an introductory period) and monthly payments change with it. With a fixed-rate loan payments remain the same throughout the life of the loan.
  • Taxes, HOA Fees, Insurance: Homeowners insurance premiums, property taxes and homeowners association fees are often bundled into your monthly mortgage payment. Check with your real estate agent to get an estimate of these costs.
  • Mortgage Insurance: Mortgage insurance costs up to 1% of your home loan’s value per year. Borrowers with conventional loans can avoid private mortgage insurance by making a 20% down payment or reaching 20% home equity. FHA borrowers pay a mortgage insurance premium throughout the life of the loan.
  • Closing Costs: Some buyers finance their new home’s closing costs into the loan, which adds to the debt and increases monthly payments. Closing costs generally run between 2% and 5% and the sale prices.

The latest information on current mortgage rates

Will current mortgage rates last?

Mortgage rates saw very little movement this week compared to last week, as the 30-year rate decreased by just 0.02 percentage points to 2.99%. Last week, the average rate jumped 0.13 percentage points to 3.01%. It was the first time rates crossed above 3% since June.

Despite today’s decline, there may be more upward pressure on rates over the coming weeks. COVID-19 infections are slowing down and consumer spending was higher than expected in August. If the September jobs report due out on Friday is strong, the Federal Reserve may start tightening monetary policy sooner rather than later, leading to higher rates.

For now, expect mortgage rates to stay relatively low with the strong possibility of increases over the coming weeks unless there is negative news on the economic front.

On Thursday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note opened at 1.531%. There tends to be a spread of about 1.8 percentage points between the 10-year Treasury and average mortgage rates. This suggests rates could go higher.

How are mortgage rates impacting home sales?

The overall number of mortgage applications decreased by 6.9% for the week ending October 1, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The biggest drop occurred in the refinance loan category, which decreased by double digits week-over-week.

  • Purchase applications were down by 2% from the previous week and 13% less than the same week last year.
  • The number of refinance loan applications was down by 10% from the previous week and 16% lower year-over-year. Despite the drop, refinances are still making up most of the mortgage loan activity, representing almost 65% of all loan activity.

“Higher rates are reducing borrowers’ incentive to refinance, as declines were seen across all loan types,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting. “Purchase activity also fell, driven by a drop in conventional loan applications.”

Current Mortgage Rates Guide

What is a good interest rate on a mortgage?

Today’s mortgage rates are near historic lows. Freddie Mac’s average rates show what a borrower with a 20% down payment and a strong credit score might be able to get if they were to speak to a lender this week. If you are making a smaller down payment, have a lower credit score or are taking out a non-conforming (or jumbo) mortgage, you may see a higher rate. A good mortgage rate is one where you can comfortably afford the monthly payments and where the other loan details (such as the length of the loan, whether the rate is fixed or adjustable and other fees) fit your needs.

How much does the interest rate affect mortgage payments?

In general, the lower the interest rate the lower your monthly payments will be. For example —

  • If you have a $300,000 fixed-rate 30-year mortgage at 4% interest, your monthly payment will be $1,432 (not including property taxes and insurance). You’ll pay a total of $215,608 in interest over the full loan term.
  • The same-sized loan at 3% interest will have a monthly payment of $1,264. You will pay a total of $155,040 in interest — a savings of over $60,000.

You can use a mortgage calculator to determine how different mortgage rates and down payments will affect your monthly payment. Consider steps for improving your credit score in order to qualify for a better rate.

How are mortgage rates set?

Lenders use a number of factors to set prevailing rates each day. Every lender’s formula will be a little different but will take into account things like the current Federal Funds rate (a short-term rate set by the Federal Reserve), competitor rates and even how much staff they have available to underwrite loans.

In general, rates track the yields on the 10-year Treasury notes. Average mortgage rates are usually about 1.8 percentage points higher than the yield on the 10-year note. Yields matter because lenders don’t keep the mortgage they originate on their books for long. Instead, in order to free up money to keep originating more loans, lenders sell their mortgages to entities like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. These mortgages are then packaged into what are called mortgage-backed securities and sold to investors. Investors will only buy if they can earn a bit more than they can on the government notes.

Why is my mortgage rate higher than average?

Not all applicants will receive the very best rates when taking out a new mortgage or refinancing. Credit scores, loan term, interest rate types (fixed or adjustable), down payment size, home location and the loan size will all affect mortgage rates offered to individual home shoppers.

Rates also vary between mortgage lenders. It’s estimated that about half of all buyers only look at one lender, primarily because they tend to trust referrals from their real estate agent. Yet this means that they may miss out on a lower rate elsewhere.

Freddie Mac estimates that buyers who got offers from five different lenders averaged 0.17 percentage points lower on their interest rate than those who didn’t get multiple quotes. If you want to find the best rate and term for your loan, it makes sense to shop around first.

Should you refinance your mortgage when interest rates drop?

Determining whether it’s the right time to refinance your home loan or not involves a number of factors. Most experts agree you should consider refinancing if your current mortgage rate exceeds today’s mortgage rates by 0.75 percentage points. It doesn’t make sense to refinance every time rates decline a little bit because mortgage fees would cut into your savings. You also have to consider whether your credit score would qualify you for today’s best refinance rates.

Many online lenders can give you free rate quotes to help you decide whether the money you’d save in interest charges justifies the cost of a new loan. Try to get a quote with a soft credit check which won’t hurt your credit score.

You could enhance interest savings by going with a shorter loan term such as a 15-year mortgage. Your payments may be higher, but you could save in interest charges over time and you’d pay off your house sooner.

Should you buy mortgage points?

Many lenders sell mortgage points (also known as discount points). Buying points means you’d pay more up front to lower your mortgage rate which could save you money long-term. A mortgage discount point normally costs 1% of your loan amount and could shave 0.25 percentage points off your interest rate. (So, with a $200,000 mortgage loan, a point would cost $2,000.) Discount points only pay off if you keep the home long enough. Selling the home or refinancing the mortgage before you break even would short circuit the discount point strategy.

In some cases, it makes more sense to put extra cash toward your down payment instead of discount points If a larger down payment could help you avoid paying PMI premiums, for example.

How to shop for the best mortgage rate

Shopping around for the best mortgage rate can not only help you qualify for a lower rate and but also save money. Borrowers who get a rate quote from one additional lender are able to save $1,500 over the life of the loan, according to Freddie Mac. That number goes up to $3,000 if you get five additional quotes.

The best mortgage lender for you will be the one that can give you the lowest rate and the terms you want. Your local bank or credit union is one place to look. Online lenders have expanded their market share over the past decade and promise to get you pre-approved within minutes.

Shop around to compare rates and terms, and make sure your lender has the loan option you need. Not all lenders write USDA-backed mortgages or VA loans, for example. If you’re not sure about a lender’s credentials, ask for its NMLS number and search for online reviews.

Summary of current mortgage rates

Current mortgage rates are lower today, with the 30-year mortgage rate dropping 0.02 percentage points from last week. The 15-year rate also moved lower.

  • The current rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.99% with 0.7 points paid, down 0.02 percentage points week-over-week. Last year, the interest rate averaged 2.87%The interest rate during the same week last year was 2.88%.
  • The current rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.23% with 0.7 points paid, 0.05 percentage points lower than a week ago. A year ago, the 15-year rate was 2.37%.
  • The current rate on a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage is 2.52% with 0.3 points paid, up 0.04 percentage points from the previous week. A year ago, the 5/1 ARM rate was 2.89%.

 

BRAND FINANCE GIFT™ 2021

Microsoft Overtakes Apple to Become World’s Most Intangible Company

  • With an intangible asset value of nearly $2 trillion, Microsoft becomes world’s most intangible company, overtaking Apple, Saudi Aramco, and Amazon, as Microsoft Teams keeps global economy running through COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Corporates booming – global intangible value has grown by nearly a quarter over past two years of pandemic, from $61 trillion in 2019 to $74 trillion in 2021
  • Over past 25 years, intangibles have seen astronomical growth – increasing 1145% from estimated $6 trillion in 1996. At this historic rate of change, global intangibles could be worth $1 quadrillion by 2050.
  • Brand Finance and International Valuation Standards Council call for more comprehensive reporting of intangible asset value to facilitate investor understanding and economic recovery post-COVID

Every year, the Brand Finance Global Intangible Finance Tracker (GIFT™) report ranks the world’s largest companies by intangible asset value.

This year’s number one company in terms of total estimated intangible value is Microsoft (US$1.90 trillion), which has jumped from 4th position in 2020 to overtake Apple (US$1.87 trillion), Saudi Aramco (US$1.64 trillion), and Amazon (US$1.47 trillion). Microsoft Teams has become embedded into business life for global organisations, once again proving the value of Microsoft’s ability to innovate and roll-out at scale. Microsoft is investing heavily in its business suite solutions. Although Apple is the more valuable company by approximately $200 billion, Microsoft is estimated to have more intangible value with its portfolio of brands and business operations.

Intangible assets are identifiable, non-monetary assets without physical substance. Intangible assets can be grouped into three broad categories – rights (including leases, agreements, contracts), relationships (including a trained workforce), and intellectual property (including brands, patents, copyrights).

Intangible assets boom during COVID-19 pandemic

Over the past year in particular, global intangible asset value has grown faster than usual, and at $74 trillion it exceeds pre-pandemic levels by nearly a quarter, having increased 23% compared to $61 trillion in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated even further the importance of people, innovation, reputation, and brand for businesses all around the world. Intangible assets are now unequivocally a boardroom priority.

Increases through the pandemic were primarily fuelled by the growth of the world’s largest organisations which were resilient to investor uncertainty due to their scale and their focus on technologies which we continued to rely on through lockdowns. This year, growth has been driven by China and the USA, with several industries recovering from the downturn in 2020.

In times of crisis, brands – especially those most valuable and strongest in their categories and markets – become a safe haven for capital. Like gold or fine art during past economic downturns, nowadays well-managed, innovative, and reputable brands are what the global economy turns to in the hour of need. There can be no better evidence for why brands matter than the role they have already played and will continue to play in the post-COVID recovery.

David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance

Global intangible value grows by over 1000% in 25 years

25 years ago – when Brand Finance was established – global intangible assets were worth only an estimated $6 trillion, less than a tenth of the same value today. As of September 2021, global intangible assets are worth over $74 trillion. This is a 1145% growth over 25 years – approximately 11% per annum.

It is a pivotal moment in financial reporting for intangibles. Total estimated intangible value has grown by over 1000% in the past 25 years. At the same rate, total global intangible value could stand at over $1 quadrillion by 2050 (that is $1,000,000,000,000,000). As investors grapple with balancing various issues such as Climate Change and ESG over the coming years, it is essential that the data they need to understand these vast sums is readily available.

Annie Brown, Associate, Brand Finance

Internally generated intangibles should be recognised in financial reports

The majority of intangible assets are not recognised, due to the limitations set by the financial reporting rules, which state that internally generated intangible assets such as brands cannot be disclosed in a company balance sheet.

Investors should not be deprived of this critical information. Intangible assets such as strong, valuable brands and innovative technology can be the differentiators that drive a $2 billion company to $2 trillion in 25 years – as witnessed with Apple. This information vacuum for investors is part of the reason why Brand Finance endeavours to estimate the extent of “undisclosed intangible value” in our GIFT™ study each year.

David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance Plc

To truly aid investors and provide them with useful information, we believe management should be allowed and required to:

  1. Identify the key intangibles of the entire business – both internally generated and acquired.
  2. Provide an opinion on the value of those intangibles in the notes to the financial statements.
  3. Provide an opinion of the overall business value at the reporting date, to help investors to understand whether or not their capital is allocated efficiently.

Despite the importance of intangible assets to the capital markets, only a small percentage are recognised on balance sheets, typically via acquisition from a third-party transaction. The pandemic has further exacerbated the disparity between market values and book values for those industries most reliant on brands, technology, and human capital for value creation. The IVSC supports Brand Finance, and all others, that look to make progress on this most critical issue.

Kevin Prall, Technical Director, International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC)

BRAND FINANCE EUROPE 500 2021

Auto Brands Dominate in Europe: Mercedes & Ferrari are Continent’s Most Valuable and Strongest Among Top 500 Brands

  • Total brand value of Europe’s top 500 most valuable brands drops 10% from €1.96 trillion to €1.76 trillion during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Automobiles is continent’s most valuable sector, accounting for 14% of total brand value in ranking
  • Mercedes-Benz is Europe’s most valuable brand, brand value nearly €50 billion
  • Ferrari is Europe’s strongest brand, boasting elite AAA+ rating
  • Banking sector takes hit, cumulative brand value down 20%
  • Changing consumer habits propel retail sector to brand value growth, with Germany’s Delivery Hero continent’s fastest-growing brand – up 148%
  • Over half of brands in top 500 hail from just three nations: Germany, France, and UK

The total value of Europe’s top 500 most valuable brands has dropped 10% during the COVID-19 pandemic from €1.96 trillion in 2020 to €1.76 trillion in 2021.

Brand Finance’s ranking has been expanded to include the old continent’s 500 most valuable brands for the first time, allowing for comparisons with the world’s two other major economies – the United States and China. The US is in a league of its own, with its top 500 reaching a total brand value of a staggering €3.40 trillion. While Europe comes in second place, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has undermined its standing and China is quickly catching up, with its top 500 brands totalling €1.65 trillion in brand value.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged Europe and the world alike, and the impact on the old continent’s top brands cannot be ignored, with the total brand value of the top 500 ranking decreasing 10% year-on-year. The pandemic has tested the resolve of Europe’s top brands – some have truly thrived and benefitted as consumers completely shifted their habits, whereas others will be hoping that the continent’s rapid vaccination programme enables them to return to normal operations soon.

Richard Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance

Automobiles speed ahead as most valuable sector

Automobiles is the most valuable sector across the continent, with the 27 brands that feature in the Brand Finance Europe 500 2021 ranking accounting for 14% of the total brand value (€237.7 billion). German brands still command the auto industry across Europe, with the seven brands represented totalling an impressive €171.5 billion or three quarters of the sector’s total. Mercedes-Benz once again leads the pack as the most valuable brand in Europe, with a brand value of €49.6 billion. Volkswagen (down 1% to €40.0 billion), BMW (down 6% to €34.4 billion), and Porsche (down 5% to €29.2 billion) all claim places in the top 10 in 3rd, 5th, and 6th respectively.

Despite maintaining its position at the top, Mercedes-Benz has recorded a 16% decline in brand value this year. It has been a difficult year for most traditional car manufacturers – Mercedes included – with sales impacted by COVID-19. The iconic German marque also struggled to formulate a coherent electric mobility strategy and communicate a clear vision for its electric car models.

Volkswagen has recorded healthier results, its brand value only recording a marginal 1% drop. The brand has continued to focus on its ‘New Volkswagen’ strategy – described as a new era for the brand, as well as implementing its TOGETHER 2025+ strategy – with the ultimate aim of selling 50 different fully-electric vehicles and another 30 plug-in hybrid options. Should the brand be successful, it will overtake Tesla to become the world’s largest electric carmaker.

Ferrari is Europe’s strongest brand

In addition to measuring overall brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. According to these criteria, Ferrari is Europe’s strongest brand – and the second strongest brand in the world with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.9 out of 100 and corresponding elite AAA+ brand strength rating.

Ferrari reacted proactively to the pandemic, initially shutting down production and then reopening with a focus on creating a safe working environment. This both minimised disruption and reinforced the brand’s reputation as a high-quality and responsible firm. In line with this, Ferrari ranks high for reputation in our Global Brand Equity Monitor study, particularly in Western Europe (in the top 3 of all brands researched in France, Italy, and the UK). Ferrari remains a highly desired brand, albeit aspirational rather than accessible for many.

Alongside revenue forecasts, brand strength is a crucial driver of brand value. As Ferrari’s brand strength maintained its rating, its brand value dropped only slightly, down 4% to €7.9 billion. For years, Ferrari has utilised merchandise to support brand awareness and diversify revenue streams and is now taking steps to preserve the exclusivity of the brand, planning to reduce current licensing agreements by 50% and eliminate 30% of product categories.

Banking sector down 20%

As governments scramble to stimulate economic growth in the face of the ongoing global health crisis, and profits and interest rates take a hit, it is unsurprising that Europe’s banking sector has recorded the most dramatic cumulative brand value loss among the main sectors of the economy. The total brand value in the industry has declined by 20% – from €225.8 billion in 2020 to €181.8 billion in 2021 – and three brands have dropped out of the ranking this year, bringing the total number to 53.

The UK’s HSBC is the highest ranked banking brand, but only sits in 21st spot, down six places from last year following an 18% brand value decrease to €14.5 billion. Over the last year, HSBC has had to navigate a dent in profits, lower interest rates sparked by the pandemic, political tensions between the US and China, and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, all of which caused the brand’s profits to plunge by 65% in the first half of 2020.

Similarly, Spain’s leader in the sector, Santander, has seen its brand value go down 23% to €12.2 billion, dropping out of the top 25 this year to 26th position. Its larger presence in the South American markets has meant the risk exposure is larger than its Spanish counterparts’ and thus the turbulence of the last year has meant expected returns are less optimistic than previous years, impacting overall brand value.

Other national banking leaders from across the continent have fared slightly better, climbing the ranking despite losing brand value: France’s BNP Paribas (down 12% to €10.5 billion), the Netherlands’ ING (down 17% to €8.5 billion), and Switzerland’s UBS (down 11% to €7.4 billion) have moved up to 29th, 38th, and 51st positions, respectively.

Sber cashes in as strongest banking brand

Russia’s market leader, Sber, is the strongest banking brand across the continent and globally. The brand has successfully increased its brand strength year-on-year to reach an impressive BSI score of 92.0 out of 100 and the coveted AAA+ brand strength rating.

As the largest bank in Russia, Sber has benefitted from its stable brand and high levels of customer loyalty. These have only been boosted by the recent rebranding to consolidate its ecosystem of services – encompassing banking, health, and logistics, among others – around the Sber brand. Sber is poised for further success, as the company’s pledge to spend more on its brand in the coming year is likely to further boost its BSI score.

In our original market research, Sber consistently outperforms its peers in overall reputation and familiarity – it is widely known, always top-of-mind, and well-regarded. As a result, recommendation is high. Its ubiquitous presence and – in consumers’ eyes – by far the best digital offering ensure high mental and physical availability, which are strong foundations for brand strength.

Sber’s successful rebranding as a cross-sector tech brand can be an example to other market leaders worldwide. While some rest on their laurels and are often surprised by disruptive challengers, Sber is focused on the future, innovating and modernising with their customers’ best interests in mind.

David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance

Retail sector posts brand value growth

Bucking the trend across Europe’s largest industries, the retail sector has recorded a 4% uptick in cumulative brand value. It is the third most valuable sector, behind autos and banking, with the 49 brands that feature accounting for 9% of the total brand value..

Unsurprisingly, various types of retailers have been impacted by the pandemic differently, as consumer habits have been forced to change. Notably, delivery apps and e-commerce platforms are among the fastest growers in the ranking this year. Delivery apps have benefited from the displacement of hospitality spend, where demand for quality food and small indulgences cannot be fulfilled by lockdown-hit restaurants and bars, with consumers turning to takeaways.

Germany’s Delivery Hero is the fastest-growing brand in the ranking, following an impressive 148% brand value growth to €3.2 billion. Similarly, Just Eat is the second fastest-growing brand, up 112% to €2.5 billion.

Nevertheless, brick-and-mortar retailers IKEA (down 13% to €15.3 billion), Aldi, and Lidl still claim the podium for the sector’s most valuable brands. The German supermarket rivals have posted contrasting results, however, with Aldi recording a 2% increase in brand value and Lidl a 14% decrease.

Aldi (brand value €13.2 billion) has embarked on a foray into the online retail space, successfully pivoting its offering in the face of the pandemic. The same strategy has not been undertaken by Lidl (brand value €9.6 billion), with the CEO of the UK arm, Christian Härtnagel, arguing the pandemic has artificially inflated demand for online shopping and that the costs are simply too high.

German brands represent a quarter of total brand value

With the nation’s 65 brands making up 25% of the total brand value in the ranking, Germany is well ahead of the pack.

France sits in second, with 91 brands featuring and their brand value equating to 20% of the total. Orange (down 1% to €16.3 billion), Total (down 26% to €15.4 billion), and AXA (up 1% to €14.8 billion) are the top three most valuable French brands, claiming 13th, 15th, and 19th spots, respectively. Orange has continued its focus on the deployment of 5G, which as of the beginning of 2021, is present in 160 cities.

Brexit puts Britain on backfoot?

Despite the UK still having the greatest number of brands represented at 101, it is the only major economy to lose brands in the ranking, with nine brands dropping out the ranking this year. After Britain’s official exit from the European Union in January 2020, the true impact of its departure is yet to be seen, especially given the pandemic turmoil of the previous year.

A total of 334 or two in three among the top 500 brands hail from the EU, a number that has dropped a considerable amount now that the UK has left.

Very few brands from Central and Eastern Europe are represented, with only 22 featured in total. The majority of these brands hail from Russia, whose 15 brands account for 2% of the total brand value in the ranking.

With over half of the brands in the top 500 hailing from just three nations – Germany, France, and the UK – the smaller economies have a long way to go to stamp their authority across the continent. The focus should be shifted towards investment in building up and supporting strong homegrown brands to expand internationally, which will in turn drive local economies forward.

Richard Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance

Global Soft Power Summit 2021

BRAND FINANCE – Global Soft Power Summit 2021

25 February 2021, 12:00–16:00

2020 was a year like no other, putting the nations of the world to the test – from the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity and immediate GDP forecasts, to diminished long-term prospects. A nation’s soft power is, arguably, more important than ever.

Global Soft Power Summit 2021

Global Soft Power Summit 2021

Join us at Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Summit 2021, hosted as a fully virtual event from the renowned Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London. Practitioners and researchers of soft power will come together to explore the impact COVID-19 has had on nations around the globe, and to discuss predictions for the future following the turbulence of the last twelve months.

Hosted in partnership with BBC Global News, the Summit will feature a presentation of the results of the Global Soft Power Index 2021 by Brand Finance – the world’s most comprehensive research study on perceptions of nation brands, surveying opinions of over 75,000 people in more than 100 countries.

Due to governmental restrictions regarding COVID-19, this year’s Global Soft Power Summit will be hosted online. Click the link to register for the event.

The inaugural Global Soft Power Index 2020 report and the findings of last year’s study are free to access online. Our interactive dashboard allows you to explore the results from the survey in maps and charts, rank nations by metrics and statements, and choose data sets to create your own graphs.

To request a preview of your nation’s Global Soft Power Index 2021 results or to enquire about using the data for academic research, please email softpower@brandfinance.com.

Where

Online Event

Book Now

Media partners
BBC Global News

Speakers

Zeinab Badawi
Journalist and Presenter
BBC World News
Professor Joseph Nye
Harvard University
Carl Bildt
Co-Chair, European Council on Foreign Relations and Former Prime Minister of Sweden
David L Heymann M.D.
Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Rebecca Smith
Director
New Zealand Story Group
His Excellency Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi
Minister of Cabinet Affairs
Ministry of Cabinet Affairs of the United Arab Emirates
Tom Tugendhat
Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, UK Parliament
David Haigh
Founder and CEO
Brand Finance