Nissan is to display its Leaf electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa following trials conducted through pilot programmes in collaboration with the South African electricity supplier Eskom, the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). The model will go on sale to the public simultaneously with its appearance at the motor show.
The Nissan Leaf features zero emissions, a silent and smooth operation and home charging and is the first brand to enter the EV retail market in South Africa according to Nissan South Africa managing director Mike Whitfield. It will also be the only globally available mass-produced EV in the country.
“After initially announcing that the Nissan LEAF would grace South African roads at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show, we are now even more excited to be able to bring full EV mobility to the South African public with a holistic approach” said Mr Whitfield. “This award-winning car will set a new tone for personal mobility in the country and we are honoured that Nissan is the first name on the list of EV manufacturers in South Africa.”
The Nissan Leaf first appeared in 2010 and around 75,000 cars have been sold globally since then. The vehicle is already widely available in the United States and Europe but the company is hoping that its appearance in South Africa will enable the model to become popular in numerous other markets around the world.
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