Range Rover

Nissan announced its new e-NV200 electric van will go into production in Barcelona, Spain, during the company's next financial year, which starts April 1, 2013.

First seen in concept form at the 2012 Detroit motor show, the Nissan e-NV200 shares aspects of Nissan’s hero EV, the Nissan Leaf, such as the distinctive nose, colour and electric powertrain, but everything else is in keeping with the existing NV200 van, which is due to flood the streets of New York City in its taxi guise.

European versions of the non-electric NV200 are powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, or a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. American market NV200s will also be running on four-cylinders, but get a bigger 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The electric e-NV200 will receive a powertrain based on the Nissan Leaf’s technology, and is expected to yield a similar range.

Nissan is sinking €41 million ($51.5 million) into the project estimated to create 700 jobs for Nissan and Spanish suppliers.




Press Release


Nissan to Produce 100% Electric Van in Barcelona
- Electric variant of NV200 to launch in 2013-

• All-new 100% electric e-NV200 to enter production in FY13

• Nissan's second all-electric vehicle allocated to Barcelona Plant

• Major project investment by Nissan of €41 mn

• More than 700 jobs to be created at Nissan and its Spanish suppliers

• Multi-use vehicle providing families and businesses with unique driving experience

• Interior functionality and cargo capacity similar to existing NV200 with class-leading running costs

BARCELONA, Spain (May 23, 2012) - Today Nissan announced that a 100% electric compact van, the e-NV200, will go into production at its Barcelona plant in the 2013 Financial Year.


The new model will be based on the existing award-winning NV200 currently produced at the plant and will be an important and innovative addition to Nissan's global range of light commercial vehicles (LCV's).


e-NV200 will become Nissan's second all-electric vehicle (EV) following the launch of the multi-award winning Nissan LEAF in 2010, underlining Nissan's long-term commitment to zero emission mobility.


The new model, which represents €41 million investment by Nissan in its Barcelona facility, is expected to create around 700 new jobs at the plant and throughout its local supplier base.


As the sole producer of e-NV200, Barcelona will supply world markets highlighting the growing competitiveness of Nissan's Spanish industrial operations. Last week a new medium duty truck was allocated to Nissan's Avila Plant in central Spain.


e-NV200 will provide both businesses and families with functional and roomy interior space and will retain the host of innovative and practical features of the current NV200 line up combined with the most advanced powertrain components of the Nissan LEAF.


This will deliver a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF on a single charge and similar performance, together with best in class running and maintenance costs.


Andy Palmer, Nissan Executive Vice President, said: "e-NV200 represents a genuine breakthrough in commercial vehicles and further underlines Nissan's leadership within the electric vehicle segment.


"The new model will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditionally powered compact van, but with zero CO2 emission at the point of use and provides outstanding driving experience that is unique to EV's.


"Crucially, it will also offer class-leading running and maintenance costs which makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition to both businesses and families."


e-NV200 will also make a significant contribution to Nissan's aim of becoming the world's largest LCV manufacturer by 2016 as a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan.


Last year Nissan achieved an historic milestone of selling more than one million LCV's worldwide in a single year.


Andy Palmer added: "e-NV200 represents a bold and innovative addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one of the broadest of any manufacturer.


"I would like to thank the Spanish and Catalonian Government for their continued support of Nissan in Spain, and congratulate the Barcelona workforce for earning the right to produce what will be an extremely important model for Nissan globally."


The current NV200 line up has already sold around 100,000 units. Its popularity led it to be chosen as the next generation New York City 'Taxi of Tomorrow' following a rigorous selection process.


Currently, intensive evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are being carried out in Europe. Trials will continue in coming months in order to provide real-world feedback from the most demanding usage. Feedback will help Nissan to fulfill exact customer requirements ahead of the start of production expected in FY13.

Kia has launch its Ray EV in Korea, which is based on the Ray CUV that went on sale earlier in 2011. The automaker plans to manufacture 2,500 units for government departments and public offices in 2012.

The Ray EV is based on the gas-engined Kia Ray, which also is not available here. It trades the standard car’s 1.0-liter engine for a 67-hp electric motor that can produce 123 lb-ft of torque. Energy comes from a 16.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that needs six hours to charge at 220 volts, or 25 minutes using a super-high-voltage quick charger. Kia claims it will have a range of about 86 miles.

The Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, but the 167 Nm on call ensures responsive performance, Kia says. In terms of performance, the Ray EV does the 0-100 km/h run in 15.9 seconds, while top speed is 130 km/h. As for recharging times, it’s six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

Other features include a regenerative braking system, Virtual Engine Sound System for speeds below 20 kph (12 mph), Hill Assist Control to prevent roll-back and two inlet charging ports located in the front grille and fuel filler cap (for regular models) for normal and fast charging.




Press Release

Kia introduces Korea's first production electric vehicle

• Kia Ray EV marks beginning of new era in Korean motoring
• EV assembled on same production lines as regular models
• Range up to 139 km (86 miles) with fast-charging in 25 minutes
• Unique EV navigation system locates closest recharging stations
• 2,500 units to be produced in 2012 for use by government agencies

(SEOUL) December 22, 2011 - Kia Motors introduced Korea's first electric vehicle today (Thursday), with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV - a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge.

For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia's 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It shares that model's major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars.

The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skillfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.

Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, the electric motor's generous torque - 167 Nm (an increase of 77%) - ensures responsive performance. The EV's acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph). Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.

The Ray EV's automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D' drive. ‘E' (or ‘eco') mode optimizes the delivery of the motor's torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range. ‘B' (or ‘brake') mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximize braking power.

Bearing the same striking exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points. A flap in the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) is fitted in the same location as the fuel intake of the regular models, special decals on each front door proclaim the ‘Zero Emissions EV' message and super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels improve aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag.

Inside, the Ray EV features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a 7-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. The display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge.

Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the government plans to increase that figure to 3,100 stations by the end of 2012.

The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations. The electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The lithium ion polymer battery's cell is optimized and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compared to competitors' systems.

The on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) each features advances over previous equipment.

Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system. The result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car's battery.

Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which can be a potential problem with pedestrians being unaware of the approaching car. To prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System). When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this system delivers a mixture of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also emitted whenever the car is backing up.

Japan and the USA are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialize this system in order to anticipate the global industry's trend.

To ensure that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it is equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features - VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) - as standard.

During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia's long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.

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Kia Ray EV / Technical Specification

DIMENSIONS

Length 3593 mm Width 1595 mm

Height 1700 mm Wheelbase 2520 mm

Kerb weight 1185 kg

POWERTRAIN

Electric motor 50 kW

Max power 68 ps Max torque 167 Nm (17.0 g/km)

BATTERY

Power 330V Lithium ion polymer

Capacity 16.4 kWh

Charge time 6.0 hrs (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)

PERFORMANCE

0-to-100 kph 15.9 sec (to 62 mph)

Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)

Max range 139 km (86 miles)

Additional Kia Ray EV images as well as other Kia related video, stills and other press material are available at Kia Motors' Multimedia Library (http://kia.synapticdigital.com), powered by Synaptic Digital. Content is available in HD, broadcast, and streaming-quality formats, including PAL and NTSC, and can be downloaded utilizing the industry's fastest download technology.

smart has unveil a new Forvision EV Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show next month.,

Smart Forvision Concept EV featuring a variety of new technologies, including multimedia roof of organic solar cells capable of powering forvision and climate control systems.

For reducing the weight of the ForVision concept, Smart and BASF developed the first ever all-plastic wheels, which are able to save up to 3 kg per rim.

All the lightness and innovation will be bolted on top of a new chassis; a new chassis which will be shared with – of all things – the Renault Twingo. Both the Smart and the next generation Twingo will use the new Mercedes rear engine/rear drive platform.





Press Release

A holistic approach to electric mobility. smart forvision: A look at the future of electric mobility
Stuttgart, Sep 01, 2011

smart has always been a pioneer in matters of urban mobility and with the smart fortwo electric drive the company is showing the direction of development in cities around the world. Together with BASF, the largest automotive supplier in the chemical industry, smart is demonstrating its leading role in the use of forward-looking technologies above and beyond the drive system. The joint concept vehicle smart forvision presented at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management.

"With the forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler's think tank for urban mobility. We are presenting numerous world premieres that make uncompromising electric mobility possible. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle. This resulted in completely new concepts and materials in the areas of insulation, reflection, lightweight design and energy management. In addition to transparent organic solar cells, transparent and energy-saving light-emitting diodes and infrared-reflective films and coatings, high-performance foams are used for insulation against cold and heat. smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels", says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. "In conjunction with smart's revolutionary DNA, we have designed a vehicle that is so unique that we can't wait to take it out of the research laboratory and onto the roads!"

"Cars of the future need materials and technologies which reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the range and level of comfort. Our innovations make a decisive contribution to this", says Dr. Christian Fischer, Head of BASF Polymer Research. "We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel.

Thanks to the combination of smart's automotive expertise and BASF's material and system competence a vehicle has been created which showcases technologies for sustainable and holistic electric mobility of the future. The researchers and designers intentionally realised a mixture of visionary materials and technologies in the concept vehicle - some of these are still at a laboratory stage, while others have a realistic chance of entering series production.

Energy efficiency: light and energy from above
The hexagonal transparent areas on the roof of the smart forvision are an eye-catching feature - as the first light-transmitting roof that also generates energy. Transparent solar cells covering the entire roof surface are the technology used here. They are based on organic dyes embedded in a sandwich roof. The transparent dyes of the solar cells are light-activated. Even in diffused light and poor light conditions they generate enough energy to power the multimedia components and the three fans that assist with climate management in the vehicle interior. If the vehicle is standing in the sun the ventilation is permanently operated with the help of these solar cells, keeping the car cool. This new photovoltaic technology opens up further efficiency potential and the energy generated can be used for further applications in the car.

There is an additional new feature under the solar cells: transparent OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) illuminate the vehicle interior when the door is opened or a button pressed. When switched off they allow for a clear view outside. This results in a glass roof effect during the daytime, whilst the areas are pleasantly illuminated without any dazzle at night. Thanks to a free choice of colours the new OLEDs do not only offer more design freedom, they also consume less than half as much energy as conventional energy-saving lamps.

Lightweight design: different, better, stylish
In the smart forvision a world first leads to a considerable weight reduction and a unique design: the first all-plastic wheel suitable for high-volume production. In its current development status, the wheel developed by BASF from a new high-performance material results in a considerable weight saving of three kilograms per wheel. Unlike conventional polyamide composite materials this new plastic has long reinforcing fibres which improve its mechanical properties. The result: excellent thermal and chemical stability, dynamic strength, toughness and good continuous operating characteristics. First intensive product tests at smart show the performance capability of the all-plastic wheel and confirm the potential for possible use in production vehicles.
In addition to the tridion passenger cell, further components such as the doors are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin - a high-performance composite material. The use of such materials enables a weight saving of more than 50 percent to be achieved compared with steel, or 30 percent compared with aluminium. Thanks to short hardening times the resin systems from BASF are also suitable for producing larger volumes.

Heating: close to the body and efficient
The multifunctional, comfortable and lightweight seats in the smart forvision offer a unique combination of efficient temperature management and an energy-saving lightweight design. Here, several innovative products are combined with one another for the first time. A new, lightweight, self-supporting plastic seat shell forms the basis.

Numerous studies have shown that the body only absorbs heat efficiently through certain contact points. This is why "e-textiles" - thin fabrics with custom-tailored conductive coatings - replace conventional seat heating in the smart forvision. With direct heating close to the body in the middle and lower back area of the seats they provide for a pleasant feeling of warmth. The energy, space and weight-saving e-textile technology is also found in the armrests of the doors and ensures that body contact points sensitive to the cold are also warmed in this area.

The innovations continue with the seat foam, which provides for both comfort and weight savings. The material from BASF is around 10 to 20 percent lighter than other materials and enables different degrees of hardness to be realised in different areas of the upholstery in a single work operation - resulting in clear ergonomic advantages.

Superabsorbent containing fleece fabric integrated in the seat greatly enhances seating comfort through its passive climate control. Compared with conventional climate-controlled seats the lightweight seat in the smart forvision does not have the complexity and energy requirement of mechanical ventilation.

Temperature management: heat stays outside
As a large amount of energy is needed to air condition and heat a vehicle, temperature management was a key focus area for the smart and BASF researchers. A whole package of measures has been implemented in the smart forvision to ensure more efficient air conditioning of the vehicle.
At the same time they make energy-intensive heating of the whole interior superfluous.

A heat shield that has not been previously used for automotive applications consists of a new kind of infrared-reflective film from BASF applied in the windscreen and side windows, protecting the car interior from heating up. Integrated between the panes of the safety glass the metal-free film ensures that the infrared rays are effectively reflected. Thanks to its high transparency in the visible range it can also be applied to tinted windows and guarantees an unprecedented level of reflection of sunlight and heat. Unlike metallized films, which are already used in some vehicles, the new film reflects only the infrared rays of the sun. Radio waves needed to use GPS, Bluetooth, mobile phones or for toll collection pass through the glass unhindered.

The high-performance foams from BASF fitted in the bodypanels also provide for a pleasant climate inside the car. They keep the vehicle pleasantly cool in summer and also insulate it against the cold in winter. Thanks to their high efficiency even in a small width, they can be fitted everywhere in the vehicle. With this innovative insulation system in the smart forvision, the two companies are breaking new ground in the automotive sector.

Cool coatings - cool interior
The infrared-reflective and extremely scratch-resistant coating system covers two important aspects at once. Firstly, it supports the extensive temperature management system and, secondly, the brilliant and high-quality look of the coating underlines the unique design of the smart forvision. The concept vehicle features a white special-effect coating with glass flakes that create a gleaming metallic look. An important side effect: the colour white reflects heat rays from sun and light particularly well. But even surfaces coated with dark colours stay much cooler thanks to special colour pigments from BASF. They ensure that heat radiation is reflected rather than absorbed. This leads to a temperature reduction of up to 20 degrees Celsius on the paint surface and of up to approximately four degrees in the vehicle interior.

Futuristic design trendsetter
Painted in pearl white and accentuated by the tridion safety cell coated with a copper-coloured liquid metal paint, there is a deliberate connection between the basic structure of the smart forvision and the design of the smart fortwo. Trendy yet high quality - the aluminium flakes in the liquid metal paintwork create a reflecting surface on the safety cell, changing between light and dark depending on the viewer's perspective. Both the panels and the cell of the smart forvision are additionally painted with an extremely scratch-resistant clear coat.

The faceted side doors with integrated door openers are a real eye-catcher. Here, plastic is presented in a new, expressive and three-dimensional form; a reinterpretation that is only possible at smart thanks to the consistent use of plastic. The precise facets give the area stability and enable a smaller material thickness to be used. Optimal use is made of the possibilities offered by plastic as a material. In contrast, the front and rear have a softer design with smooth transitions from the doors. Just as the integrated door handle does not need an additional component, the familiar smart air inlet is represented by small hexagons located right on the outer skin.
The jet-like rear lights are reminiscent of small aircraft turbines and give the rear a futuristic and sporty look. Inside the lights, small propellers convey the air from the inside to the outside. In addition to all the light functions needed, transparent stacks in the form of rings around the lights also show the charge status of the battery during charging.

The headlamps are emphasised by a ring comprising the daytime driving lights and indicator functions. The lights add to the likeable expression of the smart forvision.

Doors open to the future
With a mix of polygonal surfaces and organic shapes the interior of the smart forvision builds a bridge to the architectural design handwriting of the exterior. This also applies to the colour concept: a cool white dominates in the interior as well, accentuated by the inner part of the instrument panel in liquid copper. Hexagons in the form of white rubber nubs on a white floor are a reference to the design idiom of the overall vehicle, as is the tone-in-tone design of the seat upholstery.

The faceted surface of the side doors is also found on their inside. The polygonal surfaces with integrated armrests and stowage compartments curve into the interior. They are painted in the body colour and feature coloured LEDs. These guide the driver with a light animation running from the outside to the inside when the door is opened and closed. After closing the door the animation changes to unobtrusive ambient lighting.

The elliptical user interface with a copper coloured frame - matching the lightweight tridion - is semi-transparent when switched off. When the vehicle is switched on all cockpit information is then projected onto the transparent surface. The driver uses a touchscreen to switch between operating menus.

The white steering wheel that is reminiscent of an aircraft yoke additionally gives the cockpit a futuristic look. As well as function buttons the LED display for the battery charge status is found here.

Forward-looking technologies
The smart forvision not only shows that electric mobility can make emission-free driving possible. At the same time, it paves the way for new technologies in the automotive sector. Many of these innovations are based on nano technology, the key to the development of sustainable solutions. Nano materials serve as drivers of innovation in the automotive industry, as they do in the fields of construction, energy, healthcare and electronics.

The total of all technologies integrated in the concept vehicle make a perceptible contribution to increasing the range.

This is always at the centre of discussions relating to battery-electric driven vehicles. With maximum energy efficiency, intelligent temperature management and consistent lightweight construction it is possible to increase the range by up to 20 percent. An additional bonus for electric mobility of the future.

Gordon Murray Design has announced the specifications and performance targets for the T.27 City Car.

Designed to be used in the urban city environment, the T.27 is the result of the iStream production process, aiming at reducing lifecycle impacts and enable low cost, efficient manufacture within the UK.

Dubbed the “world’s most efficient electric car,” the T.27 has a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a small electric motor with 25 kW and 875 Nm of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in less than 15 seconds and hit a top speed of 105 km/h. While it’s not fast, the T.27 has a range of approximately 160 km in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The ultra-compact model weighs 680 kgs and – at 2.5 metres long – it’s shorter than a Smart Fortwo. Despite that, there’s room for three adults and with the rear seats folded there’s up to 720-litres of boot space.

The T.27 is described as a pure electric drive vehicle with an innovative fully integrated electric motor, control system and battery designed to ensure maximum efficiency. Powering the car is an electric motor rated at 25 kW (34 horsepower) and powered by a lithium-ion battery.





Press Release

At an event held at the RAC, Pall Mall, London Gordon Murray Design has today unveiled their latest ultra compact city vehicle, T.27, the world's most efficient electric car.

The design and development programme for T.27 is a £9 million project, made possible through a £4.5 million investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board. From a clean sheet of paper to a running prototype the programme has taken just 17 months including the design and build of a completely new electric powertrain by Zytek Automotive Ltd, one of the Consortium partners.

T.27 specifically targets the urban city environment via a unique, holistic, manufacturing process (‘iStream®') developed by Consortium lead partner Gordon Murray Design, it aims to significantly reduce lifecycle impacts and enable low cost, efficient manufacture within the UK. The electric car sets new standards in weight, footprint, small car dynamics, safety, packaging and efficiency whilst addressing full lifecycle CO2 emissions, congestion, parking and low cost motoring.

Gordon Murray Design's patented iStream® manufacturing technology has produced new levels of lightweight structure and safety in city cars. The iFrame geometry in the T.27 has allowed every aspect of the vehicle to be optimised including Zytek Automotive's integrated powertrain, another world first.

Unveiling the T.27, Professor Gordon Murray, CEO of Gordon Murray Design said:

"Lightweight is the most powerful tool we have in our armoury in the fight against emissions and fuel consumption. This is true of all cars and especially so with electric vehicles! A lightweight car means a lightweight battery increasing the levels of safety and reducing the retail price dramatically." The T.27 represents a huge step forward in protecting our mobility and our environment.

Gordon Murray Design recently achieved first class results in a second crash test on the vehicle - the EuroNCAP 50kph mobile deformable barrier (MDB) protocol, confirming the structural integrity of an iStream® manufactured chassis during a side impact.

The real world performance of T.27 closely correlated with simulation revealing virtually zero cabin intrusion during the dynamic phase of impacting. The exemplary performance of T.27 in side impact presents a further milestone in vehicle safety development for the company

“With electric automobiles popping up like dandelions across the landscape of American driving, it’s no surprise that they will be part of the field at the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26.”

Instead, the 2011 Leaf, driven by veteran Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord, will be a car fresh off the factory floor--save for a few interior trim items that will be swapped out for such safety features as a roll cage and a 5-point seat belt.

The Nissan Leaf is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high response 80kW AC synchronous motor producing 107-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.




Press Release

100% ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF TO CHALLENGE PIKES PEAK HILL CLIMB

On June 26, a 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF will compete in the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with veteran Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord behind the wheel. The Nissan LEAF will compete in the Production Class for electric vehicles and, other than the removal of some interior parts like seats and carpets to make room for safety equipment, such as a roll cage, racing seats and safety harnesses, the LEAF will be very close to the way it left the factory.

Like every production Nissan LEAF, the Pikes Peak LEAF will be powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. However, unlike most of the other vehicles competing at Pikes Peak, the LEAF will have no tailpipe, no emission of greenhouse gases and will make the climb in near silence.

“This is another innovative way to showcase the fun-to-drive nature of the Nissan LEAF and highlight that 100 percent electric vehicles perform very well in demanding situations like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Ron Stukenberg, senior manager, Marketing Communications, Motorsports. “The instant torque available from the electric motor makes the LEAF a fun car to drive and the abundance of corners on the hill climb will give Chad a chance to take advantage of that torque.”

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb will be the motorsports competition debut for the Nissan LEAF, but Nissan recently showcased the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC at the New York Auto Show. The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and driver-adjustable rear wing. The powertrain is straight from a production LEAF and repackaged to provide a mid-ship placement for the motor, inverter and battery pack as well as rear wheel drive.

The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will likely make a series demonstration runs later this summer at various motorsports venues around the world.

“Nissan is committed to taking an innovative approach to showcasing the Nissan LEAF and Pikes Peak is an excellent venue to do just that,” added Stukenberg. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero-emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world, and we’re proud to be one of the first on the grid.”

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010.

With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

Pininfarina has signed an agreement with Cecomp and Bollore to build 4,000 electric Bluecars for Autolib car sharing service in France.

While the company declined to release specifications, the Bluecar concept featured a Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) battery which enabled it to travel up to 250 km (155 miles) on a single charge. Furthermore, the car's electric motor allowed the EV to accelerate from 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) in 6.3 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph).

The car, which will feature as the mainstay in the low-cost car rental scheme, will be built at the company’s plant in Bairo Canavese in northern Italy. The contract will run until December 31, 2013, at a total rental rate of 14 million euros.




Press Release

Pininfarina, agreement with Bolloré and Cecomp for the production of electric cars

Pininfarina, Cecomp, Véhicules Electriques Pininfarina-Bolloré and Bolloré signed an agreement for the production of the cars destined to the Autolib car sharing service in France

Turin, March 10 2011 - Pininfarina executed yesterday a preliminary biding contract with Cecomp and the Bolloré Group pursuant to which Pininfarina will lease to Cecomp the business operations for production of 4,000 electric cars destined to Autolib, a car sharing service that will be operational in October 2011 in Paris and in 40 other municipalities in the Île-de-France district.

This contract will be effective upon completion of the trade unions consultation procedures and will be in effect until December 31, 2013, for a total value of 14 million euros.

The abovementioned business operations basically consist of:

(a) the Bairo Canavese plant;

(b) the machinery, equipment and accessories currently available at the plant;

(c) some contracts for the supply of utilities;

(d) the contractual relationships currently in effect between Pininfarina and 57 Pininfarina production employees.

The electric cars that Cecomp will produce at Pininfarina's Bairo Canavese plant - derived from the Pininfarina Bluecar, a project unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show - will be used for a public electric car rental service developed by the City of Paris. The call for tenders to supply 4,000 cars was won by the Bolloré Group, with which Pininfarina established the Véhicules Électriques Pininfarina-Bolloré joint venture for the production of electric cars in 2008.

The Bolloré Group and Véhicules Electriques Pininfarina-Bolloré undersigned the contract as guarantors of Cecomp's obligations not covered by bank guarantees.

The signing of this agreement represents a key step forward in the implementation of future programs for the production of electric cars on a larger scale, which are the basis for the agreements between the Pininfarina and Bolloré Groups.