Japanese automaker Nissan has been named one of the world’s most valuable brands for 2013, according to Interbrand, the world-leading brand consultancy.

In the Best Global Brands Study, released today (Oct 1) by Interbrand, Nissan ranked 65, up from 73 in 2012.

The leading brand consultant noted Nissan’s leadership in zero emissions mobility, as well as the roll-out of Nismo badged performance cars around the world, and said the brand resonates with a broad range of global consumers. The value of the Nissan brand was estimated at $6.2 billion, an increase from last year’s value of nearly $5 billion.

The ranking follows Nissan being named in June as one of the world’s greenest brands for 2013 in Interbrand’s Best Global Green Brands report. The Nissan LEAF is by far the world’s best-selling 100 per cent electric vehicle making the company the global leader in Zero Emissions mobility. Nissan ranked fifth overall out of 50 brands in that report.

“The power of our brand is a core pillar of our Nissan Power 88 strategic plan, which means that it’s essential to our growth plan,” said Roel de Vries, Nissan corporate vice president for Global Marketing, brand and communications. “These rankings demonstrate we’re on track to achieve the ambitious brand power goals we set in our mid-term plan.”

The Best Global Brands study is Interbrand’s annual report on the world’s most valuable brands. Interbrand’s method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

In this year’s study, Interbrand noted Nissan’s global, multi-channel approach with a consistent message of innovation, which it said was the DNA of the brand. The report noted that demand is continuing to grow for the Nissan LEAF and that stronger consumer engagement will help Nissan achieve aggressive business targets, build loyalty and energize new audiences. – TradeArabia News Service