You’d think that the title of “World’s Greenest Automaker” would go to a company like Toyota or Honda, but when it comes to being efficient and using renewable resources, BMW is apparently way ahead of the pack.

According to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the German manufacturer is the leader in practicing sustainability by using more eco-friendly materials and properly recycling their cars. This is why they were named the “most sustainable automobile company worldwide” by the respected environmental authority for the fifth year in a row.

It’s not terribly surprising though when you look at the company’s push to introduce clean diesel cars to the U.S. and their newest effort called “BMW Efficient Dynamics,” which places priority on a car’s low-carbon footprint as well as the heightening of the driving experience.

2009 BMW 335d

A great example of this ideology is the 2009 BMW 335d, which emits 20% less carbon-dioxide emissions than a comparable gasoline-powered car and goes from 0-60 mph in just six seconds. Talk about having your cake and eating it too.

In an effort to help stimulate auto sales, President Obama and Congress are putting together a plan to provide federal tax credits to those who trade in their fuel-thirsty cars and trucks for newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles.  Moreover, removing older, gas guzzling vehicles off America’s roads will surely help prevent any further damage to our air quality. Vouchers issued would be worth between $3500 and $4500 to help pay for a brand-new vehicle (car, truck, crossover or SUV).

The program will divide vehicles into four separate categories:

Passenger Cars: New vehicle must get 22 mpg or more, using the current EPA measures.

• A mileage improvement of at least 4 mpg = $3500 voucher
• A mileage improvement of at least 10 mpg = $4500 voucher

Light-Duty Trucks: New vehicle must get 18 mpg or more, using the current EPA measures.

• A mileage improvement of at least 2 mpg = $3500 voucher
• A mileage improvement of at least 5 mpg = $4500 voucher

For more on the Cash for Clunkers program, click here.