THE electric powered Nissan Leaf beat luxury models Audi A8 and BMW 5 Series as it took the 2011 World Car of the Year (COTY) title at the recent New York International Auto Show. The award, according to Nissan, is the latest in a “string of accolades for the world’s first
affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market.”
In 2010, the VW Polo was named as World COTY. This year, the Leaf has also been recently named European COTY, but was a runner-up only to the Chevrolet Volt, which was named 2011 Green COTY.
“This accolade recognizes the Nissan Leaf, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars,” said Nissan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn. “And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.”
The World COTY competition was launched in 2004, with winners chosen by a panel of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America. In choosing the Leaf, this year’s jurors said; “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan.”
The group also cited the five-seat, five-door hatchback’s capacity to travel around 160 kilometers on a full charge, takes around eight hours to recharge through common 220-volt to 240-volt household outlets, and produces zero tailpipe emissions as factors in the COTY choice. The car was also praised for its low center of gravity that, according to testers, “produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer.” The Leaf, they said, “feels just like a normal car, only quieter.”
The Leaf is sold in Japan, the US and some European countries. Nissan said the car will be released in other global markets in 2012. The car is presently built at Nissan’s plant in Oppama, Japan, and will also soon be manufactured at the carmaker’s plant in Tennessee, US, in late 2012 and at Sunderland, UK, in early 2013.
Unlike fellow Japanese carmakers, Nissan, together with partner Renault, leapfrogged hybrid technology and went straight into electric vehicles in its goal to lead the world in zero-emissions vehicles. Nissan said it had linked with more than 90 governments, cities and other organizations around the world to develop and produce electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, and to promote sustainable mobility. The carmaker noted it seeks to improve charging station services and other infrastructure, and promote using recycled materials to make electric vehicle-use sustainable.
Meanwhile, in the more exciting categories of World COTY, voted as World Performance COTY was the Ferrari 458 Italia while the Aston Martin Rapide took World Design of the Year honors.
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