Get All Access for $5/mo

Home-grown Companies Dominate the 2018 List of Most-attractive Brands in India According to TRA Research's India's Most Attractive Brands 2018, technology and consumer electronics brands dominated the consumer subconscious this year

By Aastha Singal

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Bloomua | Shutterstock.com

Neither Xiaomi nor Apple but Samsung is the mobile brand which attracted Indians the most in 2018. With the New Year just around the corner, Trust Research Advisory (TRA) - a brand intelligence and data insights provider has unveiled India's Most Attractive Brands 2018 - syndicated primary research based on the proprietary 36 attributes of attractiveness.

TRA has been conducted the study for past 5 years and this year's research was conducted among 2,474 consumer-influencers in 16 Indian cities. With Samsung returning to its position as India's most trusted brand, it seems that the smartphone maker has overcome the temporary setback it faced in the past two years. While Korean brand has topped the list, home-grown brands have been quick to catch up.

India's Dominance

India's largest Automobiles company, Tata Motors has secured the runner-up position. The automaker has jumped 179 places from year to achieve the commendable feat. With 49 Indian brands appearing in the top-100 with only 18 American, 6 South Korean, 6 Japanese and 2 Chinese brands, home-grown companies have indeed established their market dominance.

"It is extremely gratifying to see that Indian brands have the maximum presence among the top 100. Such brands have intense magnetic power over the consumers," expressed N Chandramouli, CEO of TRA Research. The three-year-old Reliance Jio, which has disrupted the telecom space in India, emerged as the fourth most attractive brand.

Clash of the Titans

The home-grown brand which has become the third largest mobile phone network in India also tops the Mobile Telephony Category unseating last year's leader, Airtel. The year also witnessed the technology and consumer electronics brands dominating the public conscious as American mobile giant Apple jumped 89 ranks to reach the 3 positions as the most attractive brand in India whereas China-based Oppo came 12th.

Chandramouli further defined attractiveness or desire as the response to a sense of longing for anything - a product, brand, person or an outcome. When brands score high on TRA's Brand Attractiveness research, they have successfully created similar subconscious pull, he added.

Categories & More

The report lists 286 categories under 34 super-categories. Among other category leaders are Google (Internet Search), Amazon (Online Retail), Ola (Taxi Aggregation), ICICI Bank (Bank - Private), HSBC (Bank - Foreign), Taj Hotels (Hotels – Premium), Jet Airways (Airline – Private), Visa (Credit /Debit card), and more.

Chandramouli added, "Categories of Gadgetry, Mobile Services, Automobiles and Consumer Electronics have the largest average Attractiveness Index this year. All these Categories are highly driven by individual personalities and this shows a rise in the Self-Awareness – a growing sense of Purpose and Social-Worth of the Indian consumer."

Aastha Singal

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Features Writer

A business journalist looking to find happiness in the world of startups, investments, MSMEs and more. Officially started her career as a news reporter for News World India, Aastha had short stints with NDTV and NewsX. A true optimist seeking to make a difference, she is a comic junkie who'd rather watch a typical Bollywood masala than a Hollywood blockbuster. 

Business News

Former Steve Jobs Intern Says This Is How He Would Have Approached AI

The former intern is now the CEO of AI and data company DataStax.

Business Process

How CEOs Can Take Control of Their Emails and Achieve Inbox Zero

Although there are many methodologies that leaders can use to manage their emails effectively, a consistent and thought-through process is the most effective way to systemize and respond to emails and is a step of stewardship for the effective leader.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Leadership

Visionaries or Vague Promises? Why Companies Fail Without Leaders Who See Beyond the Bottom Line

Visionary leaders turn bold ideas into lasting impact by building resilience, clarity and future-ready teams.

Employee Experience & Recruiting

There's a Growing Demand For This New Type of Professional — Here's Why Your Startup Needs Them, Too.

As startups evolve, a new breed of talent — the "boulder climber" — is emerging: adaptable professionals who balance strategic vision with hands-on execution. Learn why these versatile hires are redefining success in lean, agile teams.