Production of "zero-emission" Nissan car gets underway

Date: 25/10/2010

Production of Nissan's Leaf car has begun in Japan and exports are due to be shipped to Europe in December.

The manufacturer describes the car as a "zero-emission" machine that is the first mass-market priced and family-sized electric vehicle in the world.

Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan, said the commencement of production is a "significant milestone" for the automotive industry.

"Consumers are clear. They want sustainable and affordable mobility ... and the [Renault-Nissan] Alliance is leading the way with cars that deliver exactly that," he remarked.

The Leaf is high quality and "innovative" and will transform what customers expect from car manufacturers, Mr Ghosn continued.

A recent report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed production of electric vehicles fell sharply in 2009 as a result of the recession, but the organisation predicts output will return to 2008 levels by 2014 with the help of government grants.

Posted by Nick Anderson