The Garners with their new Nissan Leaf, the 100,000th example sold. (Photo: Nissan) |
In this case, success is counted as 100,000 Leafs sold since the distinctive electric car first hit the showrooms.
"For such a revolutionary car, to achieve this sales milestone in such a short space of time is a major achievement," said Guillaume Cartier, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan Europe. "Don’t forget that when Nissan Leaf was launched in 2010, the charging infrastructure was in its infancy. But that didn’t deter the pioneers who immediately appreciated the benefits of a purpose-designed electric vehicle."
The 100,000th Leaf was sold to British dentist and self-confessed "technology freak" Brett Garner and his wife. To commemorate the sale, Nissan created a coin-covered Leaf for display at the dealership where Garner bought his loaded white Leaf Tekna.
Nissan will soon make an all-electric commercial van available, the e-NV200. (Photo: Nissan) |
Garner was prompted to buy his Leaf by a friend who owns one, and who praised it not just for its zero-emissions status and advanced infotainment features but also for its low running costs. Garner commutes regularly to work in his Leaf – a 50 mile (80 km) round trip – and he and his wife also use it for longer trips, including a 500 mile (800 km) round trip that required a stop for a quick charge on each leg.
"We have another conventional car at home but that only manages 25 mpg (11.3 L/100km) so we use it sparingly as it costs so much to refuel," said Garner.
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The Zeod RC electric race car will soon take on the field at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. (Photo: Nissan) |
"Nissan Leaf is a pioneer in every sense and over the last three years has done a great deal to change attitudes towards electric vehicles," said Cartier. "We are confident the next 100,000 global sales will come even quicker."
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