Nissan Leaf, Official Vehicle of the Amgen Tour of California

Japanese manufacturer Nissan was selected to provide the official vehicles for the Amgen Tour of California, an eight-day cycling event which kicks off on May 16. The main stars of the Nissan lineup will be a couple of Leaf electric vehicles.

“Nissan is proud to be the official and exclusive vehicle of the Amgen Tour of California, one of America’s most exciting cycling events,” Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Nissan said in a statement.

“This partnership allows Nissan to connect with thousands of cycling enthusiasts in a meaningful way and experience the many Nissan vehicles that fit their healthy and active lifestyles.”

The Amgen Tour of California, which stretches for 800 miles and passes through 16 cities, will also mark the debut of Nissan's sponsorship of Team RadioShack, a cycling team led by seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and three-time defending Amgen Tour of California champion Levi Leipheimer.

In all, Nissan will be providing 40 vehicles in the event. In addition, the carmaker will host a consumer experience at the MBT Footwear Lifestyle Festival, as well as a Nissan Leaf display virtual augmented reality technology.

“The debut of the new Nissan LEAF will be an exciting addition to all of the interactive elements already available for fans at the 2010 Amgen Tour of California," Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports added. “Nissan’s commitment to the environment aligns perfectly with the goals of the Amgen Tour of California, and we are proud to have them as the official vehicle sponsor of the race."