Renault-Nissan and All Japan Ryokan Association to Develop EV Infrastructure

Renault-Nissan developed an alliance with All Japan Ryokan Association in order to promote and help develop charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in hotels affiliated with the association. The hotel owners will be able to answer their customers' needs, while Renault-Nissan will be able to promote the Nissan Leaf which will soon be launched by the end of 2010.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two parts also initiate a study following the future areas:

1. Development of charging infrastructure in hotels affiliated with the All Japan Ryokan Association.

• Deployment of EV charging stations in member hotels for use by guests during their stay.

2. Planning, development and sales of new travel packages which focuses on Zero-emission and EV.

• Creation of travel packages and accommodation plans such as "eco", Zero-emission tours with the EV.
• Generate new demand, raise awareness and increase sales promotion opportunities by conducting tours or test drive events in which customers can experience EV.

3. Provide concurrent information on charging stations, vacancies in hotels and an instant reservation service.

• Information delivery service on charging stations and hotels nationwide.(Provide new services in cooperation with map information providers and operators of hotel reservation websites.

4. Promote education on EV.

• Study measures to promote EV's excellent environmental performance and to improve attractiveness of EV for hotel guests and tourists.

"By installing charging facilities in about 18,000 hotels all over Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa, we will be able to greatly contribute to tourists." said Nobuyuki Sato, President, All Japan Ryokan Association. "It is important for them to be able to charge EV during their stay so that they can continue their travel with EV. It will appeal to them by giving a sense of assurance and confidence. With this partnership with Nissan which our business partner, DIO Japan*, introduced us, we want to demonstrate that hotels in Japan, greatly contribute to a low-carbon society."

Toshiyuki Shiga, Nissan Chief Operating Officer said, "All Japan Ryokan Association's efforts will extend EV's driving range and expand the possibility of its usage. It will also lead to better understanding of EV's eco-friendliness, superb driving performance and appeal.."