Kia was ranked 37th of Interbrand's Best Global Green Brands 2013. Its Gap Score is 6.11. This is its first year in the top 50 ranking.
Hyundai remains on the top 50 list this year but falls significantly. It is 34th overall this year, but was 17th overall last year. Interbrand reduced its ranking because of its lawsuit for incorrect fuel economy ratings in the US. It has a 7.32 Gap Score.
Mercedes-Benz slips one position this year to 17th overall. It has an 8.13 Gap Score. Interbrand did not give a clear reason for it to fall slightly but praised its move towards greener cars and better sustainability.
BMW falls three spots this year to 13th place overall. It has a Gap Score of 5.42. Interbrand blamed its fall on being slow to introduce greener cars but praised it for bucking the trend against electric cars. It is working with Toyota on future hybrid and hydrogen vehicles.
Volkswagen falls three positions this year to 7th overall. It has a Gap Score of 2.96. Volkswagen wants to be the largest, greenest auto company by 2018 and appears to be going there. Its Tennessee factory is the cleanest auto factory in the world. Its falling is not Volkswagen doing something wrong, its other companies doing more right.
Nissan had the biggest growth of any company on this year's list. It went up by 16 places from 21st last year to 5th overall this year. It has a Gap Score 2.06. Interbrand praised the Leaf and producing all of its vehicles in a cleaner fashion.
Honda remains in third this year, and it had a Gap Score of -2.10. While consumers still love them, analysts are beginning to notice it is slow to innovate compared to competitors.
Ford had the second-highest growth of any brand on this year's list. It went from 15th overall last year to 2nd this year. Interbrand praised its EcoBoost engine and commitment to hybrid powertrains in the near future. It has a Gap Score of -2.57.
Toyota remains in first place again this year. It has a Gap Score of -2.53. However, Interbrand says that Toyota may be losing ground to competitors, especially Ford. Toyota has a new Prius coming next year.