Range Rover

Nissan has releases pricing and details for the 2013 NV200, which will debut at the Chicago Auto Show. later this month. The 2013 NV200 is cheaper and much smaller than the Titan-based NV2500 and NV3500 commercial vans that entered the U.S. market over a year ago. The entry-level NV200 S will be priced from $19,990 while the better equipped NV200 SV will retail for $20,980.

The NV200 is already available in more than 40 countries, and is being brought to the U.S. with small-business owners in mind. The van interior offers a “mobile office” with a folding passenger seat that turns into a worktable. It can haul up to 1,500 pounds.

The combination of a 115.2-inch wheelbase with a 186.3-inch overall length, along with a compact drivetrain and rear suspension, provides an 82.8-inch cargo length, 54.8-inch cargo width (48.0 inches between the wheelwells) and 53.0-inch cargo area height. Along with its low cargo floor height (19.5 inches) and tall roofline, the NV200 a large cargo capacity of 122.7 cubic feet.

Under the NV200's short hood sits a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, which is good for 24 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, matching the combined 24-mpg rating of the Transit Connect. The only transmission available is Nissan's Xtronic CVT, and the NV200 comes with 15-inch steel wheels, front disc and rear drum brakes, and rear leaf springs.

Nissan is offering the NV200 in two trim levels—S and SV—and both will be quite affordable, if sparsely equipped. There are several options, including cruise control ($200); back-door privacy glass ($190); Bluetooth connectivity ($250); an Exterior Appearance package ($190), which paints the bumpers, doorhandles, and mirrors body color; and a Technology package ($950), which includes navigation, Nissan’s RearView camera, satellite radio, and a 5.8-inch touch screen.




Press Release

2013 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van Joins Innovative Nissan Commercial Vehicle Lineup

• Nissan enters emerging North American compact cargo van segment with bold new "right size" NV200 design

• Offers efficient packaging with a large 122.7 cubic foot cargo space within a small overall exterior footprint

• Combines innovative ease-of-use features and smart design while minimizing cost of ownership - including the lowest starting MSRP* in segment of $19,990 USD and best-in-class** 24 mpg combined fuel economy (City / Highway)

• On sale April 2013 at 300-plus Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide

CHICAGO - The all-new 2013 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van adds a new dimension to the Nissan Commercial Vehicle lineup - compact. More than 4.5 feet shorter in length and 2.5 feet lower in height compared to the Nissan NV 2500/3500 High Roof Cargo Van, the new NV200 is designed to be the "right size" for a growing number of small business owners and fleet operators wanting smaller, more efficient work vans. It is also ideal for business owners coming from passenger vehicles, thanks to the NV200's cargo size optimization and functionality.

Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet said: "For many years businesses have bought large vans simply because that's what was available. The 2013 Nissan NV200 offers a great new alternative - a commercial quality vehicle that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price. We"re now able to offer vehicles for nearly every business need, the compact NV200, the full-size NV 1500/2500/3500 Cargo Standard Roof, the 4-row/12-person NV 3500 Passenger and the extra-large NV 2500/3500 Cargo High Roof."

Maximizing Cargo Efficiency
Built on Nissan's proven compact commercial platform, the NV200 offers high cargo volume capacity in a small exterior package. Unique for North America, the NV200 body has been extended 7.9 inches versus the models sold in other global markets.

This longer body length offers additional cargo carrying capability for North American customers.

The combination of a 115.2-inch wheelbase with a 186.3-inch overall length, along with a compact drivetrain and rear suspension, provides an 82.8-inch cargo length, 54.8-inch cargo width (48.0 inches between the wheelwells) and 53.0-inch cargo area height. Along with its low cargo floor height (19.5 inches) and tall roofline, the NV200 a large cargo capacity of 122.7 cubic feet. Payload is estimated at 1,500 pounds (S model).

Said Castelli: "As the next 'innovation for business," the new NV200 is designed to be highly maneuverable in traffic or when negotiating city parking spaces, with a 36.7-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter. Yet it is every inch a business workhorse with its wide-opening doors and its ability to carry standard U.S. 40x48-inch pallets enhancing its exceptional utility."

The tall rear French doors are a 40/60-split design, with the 60-percent side on the right (curb) side for easy access from a sidewalk. The 40-percent left side door is shorter, reducing its potential intrusion into the street when open, helping lower the risk of accidents due to passing vehicles. Both rear doors feature dual opening positions of 90º and 180º. The standard sliding side doors are designed for low effort. All doors are solid (no windows) to accommodate advertising or business signage, with available privacy door glass.

Added commercial flexibility is provided by the standard integrated mounting points, which allow installation of racks and shelves without drilling into the sidewalls, and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area.

The new NV200's exterior design features a Nissan signature front grille, aerodynamic front-end design and functional cabin design. Other exterior features include halogen headlights, durable black front and rear bumpers and outside mirrors with wide-angle spotter mirrors and available heated function. Body-colored bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors are also offered. A selection of five exterior colors is offered: Blue Onyx, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Red Brick and Fresh Powder.

A Driver-Focused Cockpit
The driver-focused cockpit includes both comfort and functional features. The driver's seat is mounted in a high "commanding" position that is easy to get in and out of and provides a good view of the road and surrounding environment. The 6-way adjustable seat with manual lumbar and armrest is designed for durability with outboard vinyl wear patches. The passenger's seat is a 4-way adjustable design. Height-adjustable front seat head restraints and front door map pockets are also standard.

The Nissan NV200 offers "Mobile Office" functionality with a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder and dual cupholders. Recessed storage areas are provided on the upper instrument panel for folders and documents. In addition, the passenger seat folds down to serve as a worktop or lunch table, or it extends the cargo space for hauling longer items such as pipe or lumber. Passenger seat slide travel is nearly 9.5 inches. The durable 15x13-inch tray built into the seatback can fit most laptops and includes a penholder for use as desk.

Power windows with auto up/down are standard, as is the 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel. An additional 12-volt power point in rear of center console is also available. There is also a passenger-side underseat storage tray, drive computer, battery saver feature, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers.

Available technology includes Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), and RearView Monitor.

The available NissanConnect? with Navigation system includes 5.8-inch touch screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation, NavTraffic and NavWeather (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), POIs powered by Google®, Google® Send-to-Car, Pandora® radio capability (iPhone® only), Streaming audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

"Business today runs on technology and the NV200 offers a range of available features including RearView Monitor and our advanced NissanConnect? with Navigation system with Hands-free Text Messaging to help keep drivers connected to the office or home," added Castelli.

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection, front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Efficiency and Affordability
The 2013 Nissan NV200 is built on Nissan's proven compact commercial platform and features an efficient 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine rated at 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with a responsive and efficient Xtronic CVT® transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg City, 25 mpg Highway and 24 mpg Combined.

The NV200 suspension utilizes independent struts and stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear. Front disc/rear drum brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist are standard, along with electric power-assisted steering and 15-inch steel wheels mounted with 185/60R15 high-load all-season tires.

Two Well-Equipped Models
The 2013 Nissan NV200 is available in two well-equipped models, NV200 S and NV200 SV in a choice of five exterior colors, matched with a gray cloth interior.

In addition to the long list of standard features on the NV200 S, the SV model adds power heated outside mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking feature, remote keyless entry with two key fobs, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, additional 12V power point in the rear of the center console, six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area and full wheel covers.

Several option packages are available, including Back Door Glass Package; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; Cruise Control Package; and an Exterior Appearance Package with body-color bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors and chrome grille. The Technology Package includes the NissanConnect? with Navigation system, RearView Monitor and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

Said Castelli: "Built into the NV200 from the earliest planning, is low total cost of ownership. The 2013 Nissan NV200 offers a competitive price, excellent fuel efficiency and reduced upfitting costs due to the standard integrated mounting points, all of which will provide business owners with a low total cost of ownership."

A Global Award Winner
While new to North America, the Nissan NV200 compact van is in use in more than 40 countries around the world, receiving acclaim from both users and media alike for its optimal functionality and smart design. It won the 2010 International Van of the Year award in Europe, the 2010 Commercial Delivery Van (CDV) of the Year in China, and the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, a German organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. NV200 has also established a presence as the strong segment leader in Japan with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version - and will soon be seen on the streets of New York City as the designated taxi design.

"Our global success provides a great foundation for the North American version, which we know will become an essential tool for business," concluded Castelli.

The new Nissan NV200 will be assembled in Cuernavaca, Mexico and available through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.

For more information on the complete line of Nissan Commercial Vehicles, please go to www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.

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.

Nissan has announced a new 2012 Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition for the UK market. The new X-Trail Platinum Edition will be distinguished by protection and style for both front and rear, with the fitment of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. The SUV has also received numerous chrome protections on the side steps and the door protection mouldings.

The Platinum is powered by the X-TRAIL’s advanced 2.0dCi diesel engine with a pick from either manual or automatic transmissions. The manual can deliver 173PS but it’s still capable of returning an average of 44.1mpg. But consumers would be surprised to know that the X-TRAIL Platinum is highly affordable. In fact, it is priced lower than the Tekna version on which it’s based.

Inside the cabin, various accessories Platinum is also more pronounced. Who already have seats with heating feature, a screen capable of displaying navigation satellites to connect to a variety of gadgets such as iPods and mobile driver can be possible. There is also a rear camera that will assist the driver when parked.

Price the 2012 Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition at £29,180 or $45,700 for the manual and £30,560 or $47,900 for the automatic version, will be limited to only 200 units.




Press Release

X-TRAIL PLATINUM EDITION SHOWS ITS METAL

• New special edition luxury version of X-TRAIL 4x4
• Enhanced, range-topping specification
• Available to order now starting at £29,180

Platinum is a special kind of metal, offering both beauty and toughness. It's the inspiration behind a new special version of Nissan's X-TRAIL4x4.

As the name suggests, the new Platinum edition X-TRAIL is a real luxury item, with additional equipment not seen on any of the other models in the range and a touch more glamour too.

The front and rear of the vehicle gets extra protection and style with the fitment of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. The side is treated to chrome side steps and chrome door protection mouldings.

On the inside the Platinum features leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. To help protect your investment there's also a reversing camera, with the image transmitted onto a small screen incorporated into the rear view mirror.

Powering the Platinum is the X-TRAIL's advanced 2.0dCi diesel engine with a choice of either manual or automatic transmissions. The manual produces a healthy 173PS and yet can return an average of 44.1mpg.

But unlike its precious inspiration, the X-TRAIL Platinum is not expensive. In fact it costs less than the Tekna version on which it's based, starting at £29,180 for the manual and £30,560 for the automatic.

Orders are now being taken now, but Platinum is a real rarity, with just 200 being produced.

“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.

The 2011 Nissan Cube price list has been announced today for the USA market, where the model is on sale now. The 2011MY Nissan Cube is offered in four stunningly-packed versions: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S, Cube 1.8 SL, and the special Cube 1.8 S Krom Edition.

All 2011 Nissan cube models are powered by a 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder engine making 122-hp. The engine is mated to a Xtronic CVT(Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission. When mated to a CVT transmission, the 2011 Nissan cub averages a combined fuel-economy of 29 mpg – up from the previous 28 mpg).

Unique interior features include asymmetrical Fine Vision gauges, “Water Drop” interior accents and detachable multi-hooks. Available cube technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor and Interface System for iPod.

The 2011 Nissan Cube price list starts at 14,290 USD for the base model, equipped with the manual gearbox and goes up to 17,750 USD for the top of the range SL version equipped with the CVT transmission. The 2011 Nissan Cube price for the special Krom version starts at 21,190 USD.




Press Release

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2011 cube

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan cube, which is on
sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The 2011 Nissan cube, with its distinctive asymmetrical rear window, refrigerator-style rear door and wide range of personal accessories, once again occupies a unique place in the automotive world with space for five in its lounge-like interior, or 58 cubic feet of cargo room, and more than 40 accessories to help buyers customize cube to their precise tastes and needs. The 2011 Nissan cube is available in three well-equipped models: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL, and also in a special cube 1.8 S Krom Edition.

Following a number of revisions for the previous

model year, the 2011 enhancements are limited to the addition of a Secure Digital (SD) Card-based navigation system with 5-inch color touch screen, XM NavTraffic capability, and USB connectivity to the cube SL Preferred Package and 1.8 S Krom Edition; the addition of XM Satellite Radio on the 1.8 S Krom Edition (XM subscription required, sold separately); and one new exterior color Golden Ginger.

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2011 Nissan cube include:

Model/Transmission
cube 1.8 M/T $14,290 USD
cube 1.8 S M/T $15,650 USD
cube 1.8 S CVT $16,650 USD
cube 1.8 SL CVT $17,750 USD
cube 1.8 S Krom Edition CVT $21,190 USD

About the 2011 Nissan cube
The front-wheel drive cube is built on Nissans proven B-platform and is offered with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissans advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.

Cubes roomy interior is designed as an inviting social space for up to five passengers, with comfortable front seating and a three-position sliding, reclining theater-style rear seat. Unique interior features include asymmetrical Fine Vision gauges, Water Drop interior accents and detachable multi-hooks. Available cube technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor and Interface System for iPod.

The cube also provides excellent fuel efficiency of 31 mpg Highway with the CVT transmission. For 2011, the combined fuel economy rating increases to 29 mpg (from the previous 28 mpg).

The cube 1.8 S Krom Edition includes exclusive upper and lower front grilles, fully integrated front and rear bumper fascias and body side sills, rear roof spoiler, and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Cube S Krom Edition also offers a custom interior with exclusive black and gray seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum-trimmed pedals, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, upgraded audio system with Rockford Fosgate powered subwoofer, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor and navigation system with 5-inch color touch screen display.

The Nissan Leaf has just received the Car of the Year award in Europe and is the first electric car to have ever been given the prestigious title. This award will certainly help build anticipation for the World Car of the Year awards, held each year at the New York Auto Show.

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is the first ever all-electric car to win the award.  This Japanese hatchback is said to be fully relying on its lithium-ion battery pack to run the roads.  And since it does not use any gas, the car does not have any tail pipes too and is dubbed as a ZEV or a Zero Emissions Vehicle.

"The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan Leaf is a breakthrough for electric cars," said Hakan Matson, jury president. "Nissan Leaf is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects."




Press Release

The 100% ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF IS 2011 EUROPEAN CAR OF THE YEAR

-- First electric vehicle to win the prestigious award --

YOKOHAMA, Japan (Nov. 29, 2010) - In a historic moment for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and zero emission vehicles, the 100% electric Nissan LEAF was awarded 2011 European Car of the Year.

The world's first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market beat 40 contenders to win motoring's most important accolade. This is the first time in the 47-year history of the annual competition that the award has gone to an electric vehicle. Nissan LEAF's rivals included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo. The jury included 57 leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries.

"The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. Nissan LEAF is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects," said Håkan Matson, President of the Jury, Car of the Year.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.'s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: "This award recognizes the pioneering zero-emission Nissan LEAF as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan's standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility. With three other electric vehicles in the pipeline from Nissan - and with the imminent market introduction of four additional electric vehicles from our Alliance partner Renault - Nissan LEAF represents a significant first step toward a zero-emission future."

Nissan LEAF is powered by a compact electric motor in the front of the car, which drives the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. The car has a range of 175 km (New European Driving Cycle) between charges making it a practical proposition for many urban drivers.

The vehicle is fully equipped with features such as regenerating braking, air conditioning, satellite navigation, parking camera and advanced on-board IT and telematics systems. Innovative connectivity will allow an owner to set charging functions to monitor the car's current state of charge and the remaining battery capacity, as well as to heat or cool the interior of the car remotely via mobile phone or computer. The Nissan LEAF will be available in five colors in Europe - blue metallic and pearl, white pearl, silver metallic, black solid and red pearl. The single option is a solar panel mounted in the rear spoiler that supports charging of the car's 12V battery used for powering accessories.

Deliveries in Japan and the United States begin this December. In Europe, deliveries start in early 2011 to Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. The zero-emission car is currently being built in Japan, but will also be produced in North America and Europe when new manufacturing facilities open in late 2012 and early 2013.

Nissan's innovative thinking extends beyond zero-emission mobility. Under the PURE DRIVE label, Nissan manufactures an extended line-up of environmentally friendly, internal combustion engine vehicles offering class-leading fuel efficiency supported by advanced green technologies. In Europe, the company will soon launch an advanced petrol-electric hybrid luxury sedan wearing the Infiniti badge, while hugely popular crossover vehicles, such as Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke, have created new and exciting vehicle segments dominated by Nissan. Next year will also see the arrival of thefourth generation Nissan Micra powered by a supercharged version of an all-new 1.2-litre three cylinder direct injection petrol engine with an Idling Stop system to offer spirited performance and CO2 emissions of just 95g/km.

Nissan has won the CoTY award in Europe before. In 1993, the UK-built Nissan Micra became the first car from a Japanese automaker to win the accolade and started Europe's love affair with the little car that continues today with the recent launch of the newest Nissan Micra model.