YOKOHAMA (Dec. 30, 2010) - 2010 has been a successful year for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., earning a significant number of accolades from various third-parties, opinion leaders and consumer groups.
"The recognition that Nissan products have received underlines the strong commitment the company has in bringing exciting, innovative products to all our customers around the world. These honors are a tribute to the passion and dedication of the women and men of Nissan," said Simon Sproule, Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing Communications. "As Nissan welcomes the New Year, the company will continue to challenge itself to provide customers with new and exciting vehicles at the highest quality standards."
Leading the multiple award recipients was the groundbreaking 100% electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF, which edged out seven finalists, including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva, to win the prestigious European Car of the Year award for 2011.
Garnering a number of awards from different countries, the Nissan LEAF gained prominence with its game-changing innovation and ingenuity. As the industry's first mass-market, all electric zero-emission vehicle, the multiple recognitions bestowed are a testament to its capabilities.
Awards and accolades for the Nissan LEAF include:
- The 2011 European Car of the Year award, which crowned an electric vehicle for the first time in its 47 years history, besting over 40 other vehicles in competition.
- Included in the 10 Best Engines by Ward's Auto World, the first time in its 17 years of publication that a 100% electric and zero-emission powertrain has been included in the list.
- One of Popular Mechanics' 10 Breakthrough Products. The magazine, dedicated to science and technology, has recognized the Nissan LEAF's real world capabilities as the first mass-market, pure EV.
- One of Japan's Good Design Gold Award winners, recognizing Nissan LEAF for its significance in the spread of Electric Vehicles and efforts to achieve a zero-emission society
- Green Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine China
- Top honors in the Pan European ECOBEST 2010 award
- Green Car of the Year award from the Green Car Website
- Special Award from Auto Express magazine in the UK
- Green Steering Wheel award from Auto Świat, Poland
- 2010 ÖkoGlobe Environmental award from the ÖkoGlobe Institute of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
Nissan LEAF has also been selected as one of three finalists for the 2011 North American Car of the Year award, with the winner scheduled to be announced on January 10 at the North American International Auto Show.
Another of Nissan's innovative products, the lovable Nissan March/Micra, has also followed Nissan LEAF's success. Having a storied history in Japan and Europe, the latest model will be sold in over 160 countries around the world. With its enduring qualities and new eco-friendly characteristics, the new Nissan March/Micra's awards and accolades include:
- Most Environmental Friendly Car of the Year in Thailand, awarded by Grand Prix International at the 2010 Bangkok International Motor Show
- Most Anticipated New Car award, 2010 Beijing Motor Show
- One of the 10 Best Cars, Car of the Year Japan
- One of the 6 Best Cars, Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year
- Fashion Color Award, Japan Fashion Color Authority
- Best Small Car, Yahoo! India
Other notable winners from the Nissan line-up include:
- Nissan JUKE, which claimed the Continental Irish Car of the Year award
- Nissan Teana, winner of Mobilmotor magazine's Car of the Year award in Indonesia for its excellent driving performance, strong V6 engine and CVT
- Nissan QASHQAI, designed and developed by Nissan Europe, took top honors as the Best Crossover in the UK's What Car? Green Awards for its functionality, affordable running cost and stylish design.
Please refer to the attached appendix for a list of awards received in 2010.
NISSAN Zero-Emission Web Site
http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com
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