Nissan Newsroom Europe

NISSAN AND FLEET FORUM KICK-OFF ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEMONSTRATOR PROGRAMME IN SWITZERLAND

World Food Programme and International Committee of the Red Cross to experience the 100% electric Nissan LEAF for 6 months

Rolle, Switzerland (July 5th, 2012) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Fleet Forum today handed over a 100% electric Nissan LEAF to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Food Programme (WFP), signaling the start of the Electric Vehicle Demonstrator Programme.

Under the agreement, Nissan is providing five Nissan LEAFs to the Fleet Forum programme for a year free of charge.  The first two organisations, announced today, receive the Nissan LEAF for 6 months each to experience the benefits of electric mobility, and to encourage them to add zero emission vehicles to their fleet. After they have completed their six month loan periods, the vehicles will return to the programme to be lent to another of the 50 active members of the initiative. At the end of the 12 month period, Nissan and Fleet Forum plan to review feedback from the participants in order to strengthen their partnership further.

"The World Food Programme welcomes the opportunity to test electric vehicles in urban environments in collaboration with Nissan and Fleet Forum," said Amir Abdulla, Deputy Executive Director and COO. "As a leader in humanitarian logistics, WFP is committed to using efficient vehicles across its operations. Innovative technologies, like the Nissan LEAF at the WFP office in Geneva and at Rome headquarters, contribute to WFP's efforts to reduce its carbon emissions."

"The Nissan LEAF testing program comes right on time as the International Committee of the Red Cross is looking how it can utilise vehicles with the lowest level of emissions." said Dario Moro, Vehicle Fleet Manager at ICRC.

Under the concept of Blue Citizenship program, Nissan is committed to working with non-profit organisations such as Fleet Forum to deliver sustainable mobility solutions that will improve the world we live in.

Nissan, together with its Alliance partner Renault, aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility. As part of its comprehensive approach to promote sustainable mobility, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has partnered with governments, municipalities, NGOs and companies worldwide to prepare the ecosystem that will enable the successful mass market adoption of electric vehicles.

Fleet Forum:

The Fleet Forum is the first independent knowledge centre within the international aid and development community that is focused on issues surrounding humanitarian fleets. The Fleet Forum was founded in 2003 in order to support humanitarian organisations to improve and professionalise the management of vehicle fleets. The Fleet Forum is managed by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the UN World Food Programme, World Vision International, Care and TNT.

About the Nissan LEAF:

The Nissan LEAF was the first mass produced EV winning the European, World and Japanese car of the year 2011. More than 32,000 units have been sold globally since its introduction in December 2010, making Nissan LEAF the world's most selling electric vehicle. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for 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. Recharging from empty to 100% takes eight hours with a normal charger and just 30 minutes from empty to 80% using a quick charger in optimal conditions. Nissan LEAF has been awarded five stars in the tough Euro NCAP tests, making it one of the safest cars on the road. Nissan LEAF comes fully equipped with air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear-view parking camera. European production of the Nissan LEAF will start at Sunderland in early 2013.

About Blue Citizenship:

Blue Citizenship is the commitment of Nissan Motor Company to realize our vision of Enriching People's Lives. We commit to our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities where we do business to deliver engaging, valuable and sustainable mobility for all. Through our business activities, we aim to create economic value and to actively contribute towards the development of a sustainable society.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of 8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan, 2012 RJC Car of the Year, 2011 European Car of the Year, and 2011 World Car of the Year awards. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.