Nissan President Carlos Ghosn has been presented with the European Car of the Year award trophy in a ceremony at Paris' Pavillion Gabriel today.
The accolade saw Nissan'0s Leaf become the first electric vehicle to win the title of European Car of the Year in the award's 47-year history. The Leaf's lithium-ion battery powered electric motor, a system developed in co-operation with electronics giant NEC, propels the car at up to 90mph whilst producing zero tailpipe emissions. With cutting edge regenerative braking, and remote smart phone operated climate control, Nissan are already reporting pre-orders for the Leaf in excess of 27,000 units worldwide. The Leaf is currently produced in Japan, but by early 2013 will have production sites in the United States and the UK, with deliveries to begin shortly.
It isn't the first time Nissan has picked up the European Car of the Year award, voted for by leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries. In 1993 Nissan became the first Japanese manufacturer to claim the title, with the Nissan Micra.
The marble trophy currently awarded was introduced in 2004, and sculpted by French artist and former Grand Prix photographer Emmanuel Zurini.
President of the European Car of the Year jury, Håkan Matson, said, "I am convinced that we will see other electric cars named Car of the Year in the future. But when we do, we must always remember that only one can be the first. And that is why Nissan Leaf Car of the Year 2011 is - and will remain - so very special."
Related used car searches
Search used Nissan
