Who do you trust? According to Corporate Reputations, whose annual Ireland RepTrak study was published on 17th April, BMW is the most reputable organisation in the country. More than 14,000 members of the public were asked to rate 100 firms to produce the rankings.
BMW placed ahead of Apple, Google, Volkswagen and Toyota (respectively second through fifth). The study looked at 'the key dimensions of reputation' including leadership, innovation, governance, performance, citizenship and innovation. Public esteem, admiration and trust were also included in the rankings.
The automotive industry has overtaken food manufacturers and beaten computer firms to become the most trusted sector in the country. Among local companies Kerry Group ranked seventh overall to become the highest ranked indigenous firm.
Eamon Gilmore, T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, presented the awards to the winning companies. Commenting on the achievement by the top ranked organisations he said: "Ireland's international reputation has improved dramatically over the past two years. Part of that is attributable to the calibre of the work being done here both by indigenous and multinational companies, including those highlighted in this study. We are getting the message out worldwide that Ireland is a place where great businesses do great business. This study, which recognises some of those companies and the importance of their innovation and responsible leadership, is very welcome."
Speaking at the prize giving event Niamh Boyle, Managing Director of Corporate Reputations, stressed the importance of reputation management.
Michael Nugent, Director, Sales & Marketing, BMW Ireland at BMW Group Ireland, said, "BMW Group Ireland is delighted to be recognised by the RepTrak 2013 study as the company with the best corporate reputation in Ireland. This endorses the long term investment by us in the Irish market. BMW's reputation is built upon our excellent products and services enjoyed by an estimated 100,000 drivers in Ireland. The public face of our brand is our dealer network and their team of over 350 employees. Being in first place in the RepTrak survey is a great endorsement of their efforts. BMW's success is based on impressive financial performance, innovative products and sound sustainability and environmental credentials. All of these factors contribute to BMW's reputation and we are very honoured to see our efforts at home and abroad reflected in this award."