Nissan tops 2013 green brand list
Dubai, June 17, 2013
Leading Japanese car maker Nissan has been named one of the world’s greenest brands for 2013 in Interbrand’s third annual Best Global Green Brands report.
Noted for its leadership in zero emissions mobility with the Nissan LEAF 100 per cent electric vehicle, Nissan was ranked fifth place overall out of 50 brands that were selected, said a statement from the auto major.
Nissan moved up 16 positions from its 2012 showing and was named the “top riser” in this year’s report, which was released today by the leading brand consultant.
The Interbrand green brand report ranks brands based on a company’s environmental practices and customers’ perceptions.
Automotive brands took four of the top five positions. Reaching the top ten in only its second year of being chosen for the Interbrand top green brands roster, Nissan rapidly improved on last year’s 21st place result, said the Interbrand report.
Cited in this year’s report was the Nissan LEAF 100 per cent electric vehicle’s positive effect on perceptions of the brand, and an array of eco-friendly actions such as plans to cut vehicle weight by 15 per cent starting in 2017, and Nissan’s collaboration with Daimler and Ford for the development of fuel-cell cars to be launched by 2017.
Nissan said it aims to contribute proactively to the sustainable development of mobility and society while seeking profitable growth.
Accordingly, one of the key pillars of Nissan’s corporate and environmental strategies is to maintain its leadership in electric vehicles, the auto giant said in its statement.
To that end, with over 65,000 Nissan LEAFs sold as of May 2013, it is the best-selling EV in history.
"This recognition as a top global green brand is another step forward in Nissan’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact and communicate proactively about its corporate activities and innovative products to consumers," it added.
Meanwhile, Kia Motors said it has been named 37th in Interbrand’s list, a debut for the Korean car manufacturer in the annual ranking of sustainability and environmental performance of the world’s 100 most valuable brands.
This latest recognition by Interbrand follows hot on the heels of Kia’s recent introduction to the 100 Best Global Brands 2012 rankings, in which Kia placed 87th.
According to the 50 Best Global Green Brands 2013 study, Kia has placed eco-management at the forefront of its brand management strategy alongside its emphasis on quality and design management since 2006.
Under this initiative, Kia has made huge strides in improving the performance of its vehicles, with a strong focus on enhancing fuel efficiency and a long-term aim for zero-emission vehicles. As a result of its efforts, Kia continues to be perceived as a leader in the environmental sustainability sector.
“In our view, the best green brands are those that are not only vital, relevant, powerful and pioneering, but also profitable, ethical and ecologically responsible. We applaud Kia Motors’ efforts aimed at sustainability in all facets of its global operations that have enabled the company to be named as one of our Best Global Green Brands 2013,” said Jez Frampton, Global CEO of Interbrand.-TradeArabia News Service
