The Detroit News - Nissan Motor Co.'s battery-powered Leaf car became the first electric car to win the European Car of the Year award.
The winning model for 2011 was picked by 58 automotive journalists from 23 European countries, and the trophy was awarded today in Paris.
"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," said Hakan Matson, president of the Car of the Year jury.
The Nissan Leaf is the first affordable all-electric car aimed at mainstream buyers in recent history. It is currently built in Japan, but Nissan also plans to produce Leaf cars next year in Tennessee and in Britain in 2013.
Deliveries to individual customers in Japan and the United States began in December and will begin soon in Europe.
Nissan and its alliance partner Renault SA are developing other electric cars under both brands and have forged more than 90 partnerships with governments, municipal authorities and companies worldwide to help ensure the establishment of a charging infrastructure.
