23:41 06-02-2026

Tesla ranks lowest in German corporate reputation survey

American automaker Tesla has landed at the bottom of the corporate reputation rankings in Germany, according to the Reputation&Trust 2025 study. The brand's reputation index plummeted to 2.48 out of 5 points, falling below the threshold for what is considered a very poor reputation. This marks a drop of 0.77 points in just one year—the largest single-year decline since the study began in 2013.

The research was conducted across six countries, with 3,594 people surveyed in Germany. Companies were evaluated on eight criteria, including governance, innovation, products, and responsible behavior. Tesla was the only automotive manufacturer to score below 2.5.

While Tesla's reputation suffered, Porsche emerged as the top automotive brand in Germany. The German marque secured fifth place overall with a score of 3.88 points, maintaining its position as the country's most respected carmaker. Volkswagen also found itself among the lower-ranked companies, receiving a score of 3.05.

Experts point out that the perception of automotive brands in Germany is increasingly influenced not just by technology, but by public image as well. This shift matters because it highlights the growing importance of social standing in a market where interest in urban electric vehicles is rising and competition among manufacturers on the European stage is intensifying.