Nissan Leaf wins an automotive Oscar
Nov 30 2010 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal
A CAR which will be built in the North East and could revolutionise motoring has won an automotive Oscar.
The 100% battery powered Nissan Leaf has beaten off competition from a range of top manufacturers to be named European Car of the Year.
It is the first time that an electric vehicle has scooped such a prestigious award, with the Leaf the only battery powered car to make it to the shortlist.
The award is granted by a group of top motoring journalists and is being seen by many as confirmation that the age of the electric car has finally dawned.
The Leaf will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant from 2013.
Kevin Fitzpatrick, vice president of Nissan Manufacturing UK, said: “I think what this award does is recognise that the Leaf is the best family car out there.
“It has been voted for by a group of motoring journalists who drive all sorts of cars day in day out.
“Not only is it a good electric car it is a good family car full stop.”
The Leaf beat traditional engine powered cars such as the Alfa Romeo Guilietta, Citroen C3, Ford C Max and Vauxhall Meriva to collect its accolade. Mr Fitzpatrick added: “The car is currently being built in Japan and will be available from next year.
“We will start producing it in Sunderland in early 2013. It has a range of 110 miles which research shows covers the needs of about 80% of people.
I think that this award is not only good news for Nissan but good news for the future of electric cars. If you can produce a good quality, family car which is practical rather than gimmicky and people enjoy driving it, there is no reason it won’t be popular.”
A £5,000 Government incentive scheme for electric vehicles is due to start in January which would bring the cost of a Leaf to £23,990.
One of the major reasons electric cars have failed to win popularity with the public is the need to re-charge them.
Regional body One North East has been investing in a network of re-charging points in the region to try to entice drivers away from their petrol powered cars.
Dr Colin Herron, manufacturing and productivity manager at One North East, said: “We are delighted for Nissan that its revolutionary electric vehicle has been named European Car of the Year.
“Cars like the Nissan Leaf are already on the streets of the North East demonstrating that electric vehicles can offer a serious alternative to the internal combustion engine for many drivers.
“Furthermore the charging network that One North East is installing is giving motorists in our region that chance to switch with confidence that there will always be a charging point nearby.”
