Renault-Nissan Alliance Forms Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership with Massachusetts

The Renault-Nissan Alliance recently announced that Nissan is entering into an agreement with Massachusetts to advance zero-emission mobility throughout the state by promoting the development of an electric-vehicle charging network and policies to support widespread adoptions of electric cars.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to becoming a global leader in zero emissions," said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas.

"Zero-emission mobility is the ultimate solution for addressing questions of climate change and energy independence. We applaud the State of Massachusetts for leading the way for the reduction of greenhouse gases. We are looking forward to bringing the Nissan Leaf, the only mass-marketed all-electric zero-emission car at an affordable price, to Massachusetts."

The partnership helps pave the way for the introduction of the Nissan Leaf, a five-passenger, all-electric, zero-emission car, which will be launched in the United States, Japan and Europe in late 2010. As part of the agreement, Nissan and Massachusetts will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for electric cars that encourages home and workplace charging, as well as a public charging infrastructure. The partners will work to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline charging infrastructure deployment. Nissan also has agreed to make available a supply of electric vehicles statewide.

The agreement is part of Massachusetts' broad initiative to encourage development and deployment of electric-vehicle technology, consistent with its leading commitment to greenhouse-gas emission reductions.  "Electric-vehicle technology is a significant way to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and expand our clean energy economy," said Energy and Environment Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles. "We look forward to the day when it's just as routine – or more so – to plug in the car for recharging as it is to fill up the gas tank."

Nissan (OTC:NSANY) has spearheaded a holistic approach to zero-emission mobility by working with states, municipalities, utility companies and other partners, to prepare markets and infrastructure. The company has formed more than a dozen partnerships in the U.S., in areas including the Tennessee, Oregon, California, Arizona, Washington D.C., Washington State, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.

Nissan is also working with AeroVironment for the supply and installation of home charging stations, creating a one-stop shop for the Nissan Leaf and its charging equipment. Through the 24-city Nissan Leaf Zero-Emission Tour, Nissan has been showcasing the electric vehicle and battery technology as well as the company's zero-emission mobility objectives.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, has begun zero-emission vehicle initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Mexico, Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China and Hong Kong. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world's top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability.