12:57 am, December 5, 2011
SUNDERLAND Football Club is switching to green after taking delivery of a brand new Nissan Leaf.
The Leaf joins the club’s existing fleet of vehicles and will be used by staff in and around Sunderland as they go about their daily business.
Senior vice president of Nissan Europe, Trevor Mann, handed over the keys to the vehicle to SAFC chief executive Margaret Byrne at the Stadium of Light.
She said: ‘Sunderland AFC is a proud part of the Wearside business community and we are delighted at the ongoing success of Nissan’s local plant.
‘They are a key employer in our region and have a large number of Sunderland fans amongst the workforce. So the success of Nissan also has a positive effect on the football club.
‘The Leaf is at the forefront of green technology and we are delighted to be showcasing such global innovation with a truly local connection.’
Mann added: ‘We were delighted that the football club decided to add a Nissan Leaf to their fleet.
‘As the first manufacturer to mass market an electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf has become a pioneer in the EV segment.
‘Since the start of sales earlier this year demand for the vehicle, which is currently built in Japan has been high and we’re looking forward to welcoming the car online at Sunderland Plant in 2013.’
Nissan Sunderland plant will be one of only three worldwide to manufacture the all-electric Leaf when production begins in 2013.
