Nissan aims at top spot in EV market by 2016

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. yesterday announced its new six-year environmental plan, Nissan Green Program 2016, which will focus on taking the lead in zero-emission vehicles and by delivering 1.5 million units by 2016.

The program, Nissan’s third environmental mid-term plan, also introduces new targets to improve fuel economy across its fleet by 35 percent against 2005 levels, reduce CO2 emissions per vehicle produced by 20 percent, and increase the use of recycled materials to 25 per cent by the same date.

"More consumers are demanding products in line with their values, including cars and trucks with a lower carbon footprint. At the same time, we are using technology to make our factories greener and more efficient," said Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Nissan wants to be part of the solution toward a sustainable society - for the sake of the planet and as a significant competitive advantage and a strategic differentiator in the global manufacturing sector."

More than 16,000 LEAF electric cars have been sold worldwide to date and the Japanese company, along with French partner Renault, plans to add another three electric models to its fleet by the end of fiscal year 2017.

In related industry news, Toyota announced over the weekend that it will produce hybrid vehicles and key components in China by 2015 as it bids to close ground on GM and Nissan, which will respectively launch the Chevrolet Volt and the LEAF in the country over the next few months.