Automotive News South Africa

Nissan more valuable than last year and growing

According to the Best Global Brands Study by Interbrand, Nissan has been recognised as one of the world's most valuable brands for the fifth year in a row. Nissan was ranked 43rd this year - up six spots from lasts year's ranking at 49th.
Nissan more valuable than last year and growing

Nissan now has a brand value of over $11 billion. This year's ranking puts Nissan as the 4th fastest growing brand in the world.

"Brand Power has been a consistent focus across the company for the last five years and it is very encouraging that all our efforts continue to be recognised by this influential brand ranking," said Roel de Vries, corporate vice president and the global head of marketing and brand strategy for Nissan. "The fact that we remain the fastest growing automotive brand is also further proof that the story around our products and our vision for the future of driving is continuing to resonate."

Nissan has become more proactive in building excitement for the brand in part by telling the story of the company's Intelligent Mobility blueprint for making driving safer, more exciting, and more sustainable. During the past year, Nissan has also raised brand awareness through several high-profile sponsorships, from the 2016 Rio Olympics to the UEFA Champions League.

The report cited several reasons for this year's jump in brand rankings, including:

• Nissan's long-term vision for increasing brand awareness through strategic use of digital platforms and technologies;
• Forging new partnerships such as the recent global agreement with Microsoft, focused on vehicle connectivity and connected services;
• Launching innovative new products from the Serena with ProPilot technology to the GT-R NISMO;
• Maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction; and
• Nissan's success in creating modern new expressions of the brand, as seen through the recent opening of Nissan Crossing in the Ginza district of Tokyo.

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.

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