Nissan Pledges 70% of Research Budget to Green Tech Until 2016

Nissan has published its plan to be a greener company over the next six years. It is a four point plan to make Nissan an even greener company. 

The major point of the plan is that 70% of Nissan's research and advanced engineering budget will go to green technology. It also wants to be the world leader of zero-emissions vehicles by 2016 with over 1.5 million on the road worldwide. That includes electric vehicles sold by its partner Nissan and a future fuel cell-powered vehicle made with help from Daimler.

The second point is a worldwide 35% improvement in fuel economy compared to 2005. Nissan revealed it will be making a new, hybrid front-wheel drive car, a plug-in hybrid and a new CVT transmission. 

The next point is a leading low-carbon footprint, which means a 20% improvement compared to 2005. 

Finally, Nissan plans to use at least 25% recycled materials in its cars by 2016. It also wants to reduce use of rare earth elements and recycle old vehicles into materials for new cars. 

"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. 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," said Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn.