Nissan Zero Emission Vehicles

In an effort to take the lead in zero-emission vehicles, Nissan is upping the ante by committing to a goal of selling 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2016.

The world's second largest automaker has already taken the lead by delivering the first mass-produced, all-electric vehicle to come from a major auto manufacturer.

But Nissan's quest to hit the 1.5 million mark will involve more than just its only electric offering – the LEAF. The company, which is 43.8 percent owned by Renault, will include additional electric vehicle models, as well as a new fuel cell vehicle its currently developing with Daimler.

I suspect the latter won't see big roll out numbers at first, so electric cars are likely to make up the majority of the company's 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles.

And by the way, this is a very aggressive number. In Q1, 2011, Nissan sold a total of just over 1 million vehicles. And for the year, only about 16,000 have been electric. So certainly Nissan's goal is aggressive, but it's one that I have no doubt will be reached.

Here's what Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn had to say. . .

“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.”

While Nissan isn't the only major automaker offering zero-emission vehicles, it is taking an early lead.

The company's even rolled out a couple of very creative television ads. This one is my favorite. . .