ASTON MARTIN BEATS APPLE AS COOLEST BRAND FOR 2011

Aston Martin has been awarded the prize of the United Kingdom’s coolest brand, winning the accolade for the fifth time in six years. The car company topped a poll which comprises an array of international contemporary design-driven brands, including Apple and Bang & Olufsen. Aston Martin was also voted the top automotive brand surpassing a host of other luxury and specialist manufacturers. Stephen Cheliotis, Chief Executive, The Centre for Brand Analysis and Chairman of the CoolBrands Council commented: “Smooth, sexy and sophisticated; British built, high quality and hand finished, let’s be honest, young or old, male or female, opinion former or British public, who wouldn’t aspire to own what is truly the coolest car on the road. Number one in five of the last six years, this British icon is truly the coolest of the cool.”

Since it was established in 2001, the CoolBrands initiative has been canvassing the opinions of experts and consumers to identify the coolest brand in the UK, based on factors including style, innovation, authenticity, originality and desirability. This year’s council of 36 influencers includes music artist Jessie J, DJ and Bestival founder Rob da Bank and actress and fashion designer, Sadie Frost. After 10,000 brands are initially identified, a shortlist of 1,500 brands is established and the panel and consumers then vote to produce a top 500 of the most highly rated brands. For more information, go to astonmartin.com/coolbrands