NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 29, 2008 -- High net-worth consumers rated Maybach the most prestigious ultra-luxury automobile brand in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute (www.LuxuryInstitute.com). Respondents, all with a net worth of $5 million or more, cited Maybach as the "ultimate luxury," having "superior quality and uniqueness," and for being "extraordinary." Rolls Royce was a close scoring highest for self-enhancement and being worthy of a price premium. Bentley finished third.

"The ultra-luxury automobile category is very competitive with brands repositioning themselves and adding variants to their portfolios. The question remains, though, what is this activity doing for the brand's reputation and status?" said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. "Our impartial surveys help luxury brands track how they rank vs. their peers and provides critical referral metrics, along with insightful consumer comments as to why they will or will not recommend each brand. This survey has become the official tracking survey of ultra-luxury brands."

Following are the 12 ultra-luxury automobile brands that were rated (alphabetical order):

 
1.      Aston Martin          8.        Maserati
2.      Bentley               9.        Maybach
3.      BMW                   10.       Mercedes-Benz
4.      Bugatti (Veyron)      11.       Porsche
5.      Ferrari               12.       Rolls Royce
6.      Lamborghini
7.      Lotus

The proprietary Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey is the only measure of the prestige of leading brands among wealthy Americans. A national sample of 513 wealthy American consumers, with an average income of $789K and average net worth of $15.1 million, was surveyed online. Survey results are weighted to match demographic and net worth profiles of the same audience according to the latest Survey of Consumer Finances from The Federal Reserve.

About the Luxury Institute

The Luxury Institute is the uniquely independent and impartial ratings, reviews and research institution that is the trusted and respected voice of the high net-worth consumer. The Institute provides a portfolio of proprietary publications and research that guides and educates high net-worth individuals and the companies that cater to them on leading edge trends, high net-worth consumer rankings and ratings of luxury brands, and best practices. The Luxury Institute also operates the Luxury Board (www.LuxuryBoard.com), the world's first global, membership-based online community for luxury goods and services executives, professionals and entrepreneurs. To reach the Luxury Institute, please call 646-792-2669 or go to www.LuxuryInstitute.com.

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