Nissan Partners with Christchurch City Council to Promote EVs

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has been intensively preparing for the launch of Nissan’s all electric model Leaf by creating partnerships with governments in order to promote the use of zero emissions vehicles. As the campaign continues, the alliance has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Christchurch City Council, New Zealand.

"We are proud to work with Nissan to understand if electric vehicles can become successfully launched in New Zealand," Mayor Bob Parker said. "As part of the Christchurch City Council's Energy Strategy, this initiative complements the other work we are doing to create a more sustainable future for Christchurch. We are pleased to be taking action to explore and support the benefits of developing electric vehicle technology to ensure Christchurch has a sustainable future."

"Nissan is proud to partner with Christchurch City Council through the signing of this MoU, " said John Manley, Managing Director of Nissan New Zealand. "Technology for zero emissions mobility is a reality and we are prepared to proactively explore ways to bringing this technology to the market in Christchurch with collaboration from the City Council."

Nissan is one of the first car manufacturers to sell an all electric vehicle. The Nissan Leaf EV will be available in showrooms all over the world by the end of 2010 for fleet or private use.

"Our company is leading the world in design and production of a battery powered family- sized car and we aim to have this vehicle on sale in New Zealand by 2012. The announcement of the signing of a strategic MoU with the Christchurch City Council brings that reality closer in Christchurch," Manley continued. "The Nissan organization recognizes the importance of sustainability by limiting CO2 emissions and we are ready to partner local bodies in pursuing that role."

Renault-Nissan alliance formed partnerships with more than 40 governments, cities and other organizations around the world, including Japan, the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia, to promote electric vehicles.