At last months New York International Auto Show, Bridgestone Corporation held a press conference at which the Nissan Leaf was named the 2011 World Car of the Year. the Leaf had stiff competition from 38 other makes and models, a short list of 3 was drawn which included the Leaf, the Audi A8 and the new BMW 5 Series.
Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn accepted the award and said, "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. 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 recognizes 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 judging panel of the award were full of praise for the Leaf, the jurors said, "The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. Dropped onto a unique platform and body, the Leaf's lithium-ion battery modules and electric motor generate 108hp and 206 lb ft of torque, propelling the hatch from zero to 60mph in 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 90mph. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 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".
This is a great start for the all electric Nissan Leaf, with its practicality, fuel efficiency and zero emissions I am confident that there will be many awards in its trophy cabinets in a very short space of time. With demand for the new model so high I doubt we will see any
used Nissan Leaf in Wiltshire.
