7:45 pm, April 22, 2011
NISSAN’S all-electric Leaf has been awarded the World Car of the Year title edging out the BMW 5 Series and Audi A8.
The zero-emission hatchback was awarded the title at the New York International Auto Show beating the German saloons, and it is the latest award for the Leaf joining the car’s European Car of the Year accolade.
‘It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year,’ said Nissan chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.
‘This accolade recognises Nissan Leaf, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.’
The World Car Awards jurors observed that, ‘The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This five-seater, five-door hatchback is the world’s first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car.
‘It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around eight hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low centre of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.’
