Nissan launches Leaf taxi ride campaign

Date: 22/6/2012

Nissan has launched an ambitious new campaign in a bid to highlight the benefits of eco-friendly driving for UK motorists.

It is using Twitter as an integral part of its Big Turn On scheme, during which it attempted to get 100 people tuned in to the idea of driving an electric car in the space of just 100 days.

Nissan achieved this feat on June 20th - 18 days ahead of its target.

Now, it is introducing the next stage of its campaign - offering Londoners free taxi rides in a Nissan Leaf. On June 23rd and 24th, a fleet of the zero-emission motors will be travelling around the capital, giving people the chance to book themselves a journey.

Individuals can send a tweet including the hashtag #6XCHEAPER and their chosen destination to book themselves a ride.

As well as supporting the Big Turn On campaign, it is hoped the initiative will give Nissan the opportunity to gather feedback from consumers about potentially using the Leaf as a type of taxi in the future.

Managing Director of Nissan GB Jim Wright said: "This is part of a campaign designed to get people to turn on to 100 per cent electric driving by busting many of the myths and highlighting the many benefits of electric cars, including incredibly low fuel costs."

The car features numerous innovative features that make it stand out from the crowd. Its battery capacity is 24kWh, while it is capable of travelling at over 140 km/h and is made of recycled and renewable materials.

Mr Wright continued: "By offering free taxi rides, we aim to show hundreds of people just how practical and affordable the Nissan Leaf is to run."

Highlighting the efficiency of the vehicle, Nissan noted that a journey from central London to Heathrow airport would cost a Leaf owner 28p in electricity. In comparison, someone driving a more traditional motor would have to pay £1.68 for fuel.

It is also exempt from the London congestion charge because it does not produce any emissions, while it has no vehicle excise duty - ideal for cash-strapped Brits hit by the current economic downturn.

Posted by Nick Anderson