Nissan announces production of funky e-NV200 electric van

From AB



NISSAN TO PRODUCE 100% ELECTRIC VAN IN BARCELONA
- Electric variant of NV200 to launch in 2013-

- All-new 100% electric e-NV200 to enter production in FY13
- Nissan's second all-electric vehicle allocated to Barcelona Plant
- Major project investment by Nissan of €100 mn in Spain
- More than 700 jobs to be created at Nissan and its Spanish
suppliers
- Multi-use vehicle providing families and businesses with unique
driving experience
- Interior functionality and cargo capacity similar to existing NV200
with class-leading running costs

BARCELONA, Spain (May 23, 2012) - Today Nissan announced that a 100%
electric compact van, the e-NV200, will go into production at its
Barcelona plant in the 2013 Financial Year.

The new model will be based on the existing award-winning NV200
currently produced at the plant and will be an important and
innovative addition to Nissan's global range of light commercial
vehicles (LCV's).

e-NV200 will become Nissan's second all-electric vehicle (EV)
following the launch of the multi-award winning Nissan LEAF in 2010,
underlining Nissan's long-term commitment to zero emission mobility.

The new model, which represents €100 million investment by Nissan in
Spain, is expected to create around 700 new jobs at the plant and
throughout its local supplier base.

As the sole producer of e-NV200, Barcelona will supply world markets
highlighting the growing competitiveness of Nissan's Spanish
industrial operations. Last week a new medium duty truck was allocated
to Nissan's Avila Plant in central Spain.

e-NV200 will provide both businesses and families with functional and
roomy interior space and will retain the host of innovative and
practical features of the current NV200 line up combined with the most
advanced powertrain components of the Nissan LEAF.

This will deliver a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF on a
single charge and similar performance, together with best in class
running and maintenance costs.

Andy Palmer, Nissan Executive Vice President, said: "e-NV200
represents a genuine breakthrough in commercial vehicles and further
underlines Nissan's leadership within the electric vehicle segment.

"The new model will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and
practicality of a traditionally powered compact van, but with zero CO2
emission at the point of use and also provide an outstanding driving
experience that is unique to EV's.

"Crucially, it will also offer class-leading running and
maintenance costs, which makes it an exceptionally attractive
proposition to both businesses and families."

e-NV200 will also make a significant contribution to Nissan's aim of
becoming the world's largest LCV manufacturer by 2016 as a key pillar
of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan.

Last year Nissan achieved an historic milestone of selling more than
one million LCV's worldwide in a single year.

Andy Palmer added: "e-NV200 represents a bold and innovative
addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one of the
broadest of any manufacturer.

"I would like to thank the Spanish and Catalonian Government for
their continued support of Nissan in Spain, and congratulate the
Barcelona workforce for earning the right to produce what will be an
extremely important model for Nissan globally."

The current NV200 line up has already sold around 100,000 units. Its
popularity led it to be chosen as the next generation New York City
'Taxi of Tomorrow' following a rigorous selection process.

Currently, intensive evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric
vehicles are being carried out in Europe. Trials will continue in
coming months in order to provide real-world feedback from the most
demanding usage. Feedback will help Nissan to fulfill exact customer
requirements ahead of the start of production expected in FY13
 
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