Nissan Leaf Arrives In The UK

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Thu, 03 Feb 2011

The first batch of Nissan’s eco-friendly all-electric Leaf model has touched down in the UK.

A total of 67 battery-powered Leafs have arrived in North East England after being brought over on the City of St. Petersburg, Nissan’s new energy-saving car carrier.

All 67 cars are intended for customers in Britain and Ireland and arrive ahead of next month’s official UK release date.

"The arrival of the Nissan Leaf, the world’s first affordable, all-electric car, in Europe is a landmark day for Nissan and European transport," said Simon Thomas, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan's European headquarters.

"The Nissan LEAF is a genuine alternative to petrol and diesel cars in terms of style, features, safety, performance and handling."

"We look forward to delivering these cars to the very first Nissan Leaf customers, who share our vision for an environmentally sustainable future for road transport."

The Nissan Leaf boasts zero emissions, has a top speed of 90 mph and is capable of travelling 100 miles on a single charge. The five-seat hatchback costs £23,990, which includes a Government Plug-in Car Grant subsidy worth £5,000.

Demand for the green car has exceeded analysts’ expectations, with pre-orders already exceeding more than 27,000 units globally.

Imports from Japan will continue until production of the vehicle starts at the company’s Sunderland factory in 2013. The plant will start to make the lithium-ion batteries which power the car from next year.

The Leaf was named European Car of The Year 2011 by the continent’s leading motoring journalists in December.