When it comes to car audio systems, Bose remains the benchmark for enthusiasts around the world. And now, we have the results to prove it.

(Photo: General Motors)

According to the 2006 Global Automotive Component Branding Study by J.D. Power and Associates, which is based on an Internet survey of 17,651 consumers, Bose has the strongest brand power not only in the United States and Japan, but worldwide.

Brand strength is measured by assessing consumers' top-of-mind awareness, brand name/logo recognition and favorability (impression).

Sony, which trails Bose in the United States, is the leader brand in Europe. Pioneer, Panasonic and Kenwood also exhibit brand strength globally.

Bose, whose products are currently found in vehicles from 19 auto brands, has also received praise from two major automotive magazines.

(Photo: Acura)

The readers of Germany's Auto motor und sport voted Bose as the "Best Car Hifi Brand" in 2006. In addition, four Bose sound systems were among the top 10 in the 2005 Car Audio Awards chosen by Autocar Japan.

Finally, the study shows that while Harman/Kardon, Mark Levinson and Blaupunkt earn relatively low brand awareness globally, consumers who know these brands rate them very favorably. Others, like JVC and Alpine, achieve high consumer awareness, but show room for improvement in the area of consumer favorability.

The 15 strongest audio brands in the world (based on a 1,000-point scale) are:

1. Bose, 665
2. Sony, 636 
3. Pioneer, 571 
4. Panasonic, 558 
5. Kenwood, 543 
6. Blaupunkt, 539 
7. Alpine, 534 
8. Harman/Kardon, 529 
9. JVC, 526 
10. Infinity, 520 
11. JBL, 518 
12. Denon, 509 
13. Mark Levinson, 505 
14. Technics, 505 
15. Aiwa, 499