Nissan LEAF lights up the AJAC EcoRun

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Last week, the Nissan LEAF™ solidified its leadership position in the electric vehicle segment at the conclusion of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) EcoRun event, where the 100 per cent electric car demonstrated significant running cost savings versus that of a typical fuel-efficient vehicle.

The AJAC EcoRun had one purpose: to demonstrate to Canadians the latest in fuel-efficient technologies being introduced by automobile manufacturers. The concept is loosely based on England's historic London-to-Brighton run for vintage cars; the Canadian version was focused on "green" cars. Over the course of three days, the zero-emission Nissan LEAF was driven 372 kilometres by seven AJAC members, starting in Brighton, Ontario, and concluding in London, Ontario.

The Nissan LEAF achieved average energy economy of 7.2 kms/kwh. Adding to the impressive driving economy figures was the sophisticated Eco Indicator, which provides feedback on how economically the Nissan LEAF is being driven. Driving factors include: acceleration application, braking, driving and traffic conditions, heating and air conditioning use, and vehicle idle time. The Eco Indicator revealed AJAC journalists achieved a substantial Eco Forest consisting of 22 virtual trees at the conclusion of the EcoRun.

"As pioneers in the field of electric vehicle technology, we were thrilled for the opportunity to participate in the AJAC EcoRun and drive further awareness about the tangible benefits of electric mobility, and how fun-to-drive and innovative the Nissan LEAF is," said Allen Childs, president of Nissan Canada Inc. "The Nissan LEAF's impressive performance throughout the event validates Nissan's clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we offer to customers around the globe."

Thanks to the conscious driving behaviour of the AJAC members behind the wheel of the Nissan LEAF, they achieved impressive range and energy usage statistics.

The Nissan LEAF's AJAC EcoRun scorecard:

Distance	372
Time (minutes)	486
Speed (km/hr)	46
Avg. Energy Economy (kms/kwh)	7.2
Energy Utilized (kwh)	52
Energy cost ($)	$5
Equivalent Fuel Cost ($)	$36
Running cost savings	$30
Number of eco trees grown	22

To read more about the Nissan LEAF's AJAC EcoRun adventure, visit the Nissan LEAF Canada Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/NissanLEAFCanada

Nissan is the first automaker committed to making affordable, all-electric vehicles available to the mass market globally. The Nissan LEAF™ is a medium-size hatchback that seats five adults comfortably and has a range of 160 kilometres (based on U.S. EPA LA4 cycle) on one full charge to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. The well-equipped Nissan LEAF™ is available for $38,395 and has sold more than 260 cars in Canada and 27,000 worldwide, making it the best-selling electric car ever. Purchase is eligible through an online reservation process for those registered at www.nissan.ca/leaf and living within 65 kilometres of an EV-certified Nissan dealer.  More information, high-res images and b-roll are available at www.media.nissan.ca or upon request.

About Nissan Canada Inc.
Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), NCI directly employs 250 full-time staff. There are 175 independent Nissan dealerships and 30 Infiniti retailers across Canada. 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 European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year awards. More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.ca and www.infiniti.ca.

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 U.S.). 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 European Car of the Year award and 2011 World Car of the Year.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

Image with caption: "Yesterday, the Nissan LEAF™ solidified its leadership position in the electric vehicle segment at the conclusion of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) EcoRun event, where the 100 per cent electric car demonstrated significant running cost savings versus that of a typical fuel-efficient vehicle. (CNW Group/Nissan Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120511_C6814_PHOTO_EN_13596.jpg

Media contacts: 
Didier Marsaud 
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Nissan Canada
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Heather Meehan
Cohn & Wolfe
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]