Sony is the second most reputable company in the world, according to a study by Reputation Institute.

Sony was beaten only by Google with Walt Disney, BMW and Daimler/Mercedes-Benz completing the top five.

Apple came 6th while Sony's rival in the console market Microsoft fell in at number 11.

The figures were calculated in two parts:

"Reputation Institute measured the reputations of the world's 600 largest companies in their home countries."

"The highest rated companies in each of 32 countries were then selected as candidates for a second study that also rated the world's most visible and valuable corporate brands provided they had above average home country reputations."

"The outcome of the second study was a final roster of 28 global companies that are well regarded at home but that have also successfully exported their reputations around the world."

Sony has made moves to rid itself of an arrogant reputation since the launch of the PS2 and Sony Australia's managing director recently said that he felt the company's perceived arrogance has now been overtaken by Apple.