Not just an ad campaign
Not long ago, we remember reading or hearing something along the lines of “If you have to tell someone that you’re innovative, then you’re not”. The supposition being that if you truly are innovative, others will recognize that within you. Naturally, the first thing that I thought of was the Nissan ad campaign kicked off last year – “Innovation for All” with voice over by Robert Downey Jr.
Then this bit comes along – The World’s Most Innovative Companies 2011 – Fast Company. Atop the list this year is Apple. No surprise there, with everything that Apple has brought to the table over the past year or so. Then Twitter and Facebook – leaders of the “Enough about me, what do you think about me” movement. Fourth on the list – Nissan. Ahead of Google (6th behind Groupon). Above LinkedIn (24) and way above Pandora (44 – by the way, a great way to listen to music online). And the only automotive company to make the list. Looks like others are recognizing the innovation of the brand.
In other news, Altima was the best selling automobile in the country in the month of March for the first time ever outselling both Honda Accord and Toyota Camry – both very good cars. Ford F150 sold more units, as did the Chevy Silverado. People still need work trucks. But Altima sales were up 31% over March of last year, while Accord sales were up only 19% similarly measured. Toyota Camry sales slipped over 13% compared to last year. I have always though that Nissan provided a very good value with their product. It seems other are starting to see that value as well.