Nissan has announced an extended partnership with the Heisman Trophy Trust, the presenter of the annual Heisman Memorial Trophy in recognition of the outstanding college football player in the United States.  Nissan began its partnership in 2005 and is now the exclusive “Premier Partner” in an agreement that runs through 2016.

Nissan will continue to support the charitable mission of the Heisman Trophy Trust as well as promote the Heisman Trophy Award through activities such as an exclusive Heisman Trophy Tour, consumer sweepstakes, social media, online activities, and other events.

“The Heisman Trophy, since it was first awarded in 1935, has recognized the top performers in college football.  As a company that prides itself in delivering innovation and performance for all, it’s a natural association,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America. “The fan response to our Heisman-related activities has been tremendous.”

For our fans who are near the Detroit area today can go “tailgate” with the Nissan team and their special guest, Barry Sanders, and the Heisman Trophy, at Cheli’s Chili Bar downtown from 7p.m.to 11p.m. There will be food, beverages and friends as well as the BCS Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nissan will also make a special announcement about their future relationship with college football.

Ford’s New Year’s resolution for 2012 is to further reduce the amount of water used to make vehicles and continue showing efficiency not only in their vehicles, but also in their manufacturing practices. 

A new goal for Ford asks them to cut the amount of water used to make each vehicle by 30 percent globally by 2015, compared with the amount of water used per vehicle in 2009.  Between 2000 and 2010 Ford reduced it’s global water usage by 10.5 billion miles or 62 percent. “Water remains one of our top environmental priorities and our aggressive reduction target helps ensure continued focus on this critical resource,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

If Ford meets its goal of reducing water usage by 30 percent between 2009 and 2015, the amount of water used to make a vehicle will have dropped from almost 2510 gallons in 2000 to approximately 1321 gallons in 2015.  In order to help meet their goal Ford has established a cross-functional team spanning several divisions to review water usage more holistically.