There's a lot of pressure on automakers to produce not only offer cheap cars for sale, but also to improve on prior used models and produce more fuel efficient vehicles. The bar has been raised to 40 MPG minimum for many automakers. People want more green in their cars and not only in the wallet.
Producing new cars for sale that offer both good economy at a good price is a tight rope that takes dedication to walk. So then it might not come as much surprise, or maybe it does, which three automakers earned top ten global green brands for 2011 as found by Interbrand. And yes, environmental green not auto incentives green.
First the notable exceptions. Nissan, makers of the Leaf, the most efficient of new cars for sale commercial vehicles on the road were absent from the top 50. This is somewhat of a surprise given Nissans new green direction. Hyundai, maker of several new cars under 20k and several high mileage cars just missed the top 10 at number 11.
Honda pulled up at the number seven spot, not a surprise for anyone who's used a car search engine and seen the companies focus on small efficient vehicles. A well deserved position for a company that's focus on green has also been producing affordable new cars under 20k for years.
With its company wide dedication to clean diesel, maybe it's not much surprise that Volkswagen edged Honda for the number six spot. Offering a host of dependable, 40 MPG cars, Volkswagens still fetch a fair price on a used car search engine anywhere.
The greenest of the bunch however is Toyota. While the Prius may no longer be the greenest car around, the dedication to the environment runs deep in this Japanese auto maker. Just don't expect to see any of that green passed down by way of auto incentives, or in the price of cheap used cars for sale. There's a reason Toyota's hold their value, and it starts at the root.