Nissan has strengthened its partnership with e.dams by purchasing a stake in the championship-winning racing organization, ahead of Nissan’s debut in the ABB FIA Formula E electric street-racing championship.
Nissan is joining Formula E as the first Japanese carmaker to participate in the innovative series and as the global leader in electric cars, with more than 350,000 Nissan LEAF vehicles sold. Nissan’s Formula E program will show a new “performance side” of Nissan Intelligent Mobility – the company’s vision for changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated into society.
Based in Le Mans, France, and co-founded by team principal Jean-Paul Driot, the e.dams organization emerged from DAMS, a leading contender in European open-wheel and sports car competition for more than 30 years. In its previous partnership with Nissan’s alliance partner Renault, e.dams won the Team Championship in the first three seasons of Formula E. It also holds records for most wins and pole positions.
“For Nissan’s first Formula E experience, it makes sense to partner with e.dams and be able to draw on the organization’s experience of winning races and championships,” said Roel de Vries, Nissan corporate vice president and global head of marketing and brand strategy. “The level of competition in Formula E will get even more intense for season five, with a series-mandated all-new car and powertrain. As part of our commitment to our partnership, Nissan has now purchased an ownership stake in the organization, and we’re excited to work with Jean-Paul and his team.”
Said Driot, “With our new partner Nissan, we’re eagerly awaiting the new challenges ahead. We’re very proud of our history in Formula E, and we’re looking forward to adding new pages to the series’ history books with our new partner and the new car.”
Nissan and e.dams have begun testing the all-new “Gen2” Formula E car, which provides more power and range and eliminates the need for the midrace car swap that was a feature of Formula E during the first four seasons.
