Nissan LEAF named 2011 European Car of the Year

• Source: Global Times
• [09:12 November 30 2010]
• Comments

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. Monday said that its 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF received the 2011 European Car award of the Year. The LEAF which is the first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market had a competition with 40 contenders to win most important honor in the motoring world.

With the receipt of the award this electric vehicle from Nissan became the first electric vehicle to get this accolade in the 47-year history of the annual competition. The contestants for the award included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo.

Nissan LEAF is powered by a compact electric motor in the front of the car, which drives the front wheels. The AC motor generates a power of 80 kW and 280 Nm of torque that can touch a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW.

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. In the Europe, the Nissan LEAF will be available in five colors – blue metallic and pearl, white pearl, silver metallic, black solid and red pearl.

The Japanese automaker plans to begin deliveries in Japan and the United States this December. In Europe, deliveries are expected to start in early 2011. The company also has plans to build the zero-emission car, which is currently built in Japan, in North America and Europe in late 2012 and early 2013.

For the European roads, Nissan plans to launch an advanced petrol-electric hybrid luxury sedan wearing the Infiniti badge. Next year the car enthusiasts can expect the arrival of the fourth generation Nissan Micra powered by a supercharged version of an all-new 1.2-litre three cylinder direct injection petrol engine.

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