The Nissan LEAF, the brand’s 100% electric vehicle and global sales leader in the segment, was awarded the “2018 FIPA Green Car of the Year” in Detroit today from the Inter-American Federation of Automobile Journalists (FIPA). The new Nissan LEAF scored highest result among nine other candidates.
During the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, representatives of FIPA gave this award to José Luis Valls, Nissan Latin America’s chairman. This award is added to another award granted by the same entity in 2016 to the previous version of the Nissan LEAF, when the vehicle stood out as “2016 4-Wheel Drive Electric Car of the Year.”
“This award is a clear example of Nissan’s global leadership in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology under the vision of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, where the brand aims to improve people’s lives through a transformation in how vehicles are driven, powered and integrated into society,” said Luis Valls.
The Nissan LEAF has just reached an important milestone: 300,000 units have been commercialized worldwide since its launch in 2010. The Nissan EV is the first zero-emissions, 100% electric vehicle produced for the mass market, and also the best-selling in the world.
The new generation of the Nissan LEAF was presented at the end of last year in Tokyo. Its new design stands out as well as the incorporation of innovative technology that make the Nissan LEAF the benchmark model of the brand’s vision of Intelligent Mobility. Also, the new version offers a range of 400 km (under the Japanese standard) with power output of 150 hp (110 kW), and a top speed of 144 km/h.
The new LEAF adopts ProPILOT autonomous driving technology, used during single-lane driving on the highway. It also offers ProPILOT Park technology, which takes control of steering, acceleration, braking, shift-changing and the parking brake to automatically guide it into a parking spot, including parallel parking, safely, and with simple operation.
This revolutionary technology allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the accelerator. When the accelerator is fully released, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically, bringing the car to a complete stop. The car holds its position, even on uphill slopes, until the accelerator is pressed again. The reactiveness of the e-Pedal maximizes EV driving pleasure.
The new Nissan LEAF’s design includes a profile that gives it a sharp, dynamic look. Along with excellent aerodynamics, the styling – from the sleek silhouette to the car’s “advanced expression” – evokes the excitement of driving an EV. Nissan design features the already familiar signature boomerang-shaped lamps and V-motion flow in the front. The flash-surface grille in clear blue and the rear bumper’s blue molding identify the car as a Nissan EV.
The new Nissan LEAF completely redesigned cabin is focused on the driver, featuring a front panel in the form of a “gliding wing.” It combines an excellent use of space with functionality.
The interior design creates a relaxed ambience and premium quality feel, thanks to carefully selected materials. Vibrant blue stitching in the seats, dashboard and steering wheel has been incorporated as a symbol of Nissan’s electric vehicles. The 7-inch, full-color (TFT) display has been redesigned to highlight key features, such as the Safety Shield technology power gauge and audio and navigation system information. Apple CarPlay has also been added.
