NISSAN LAUNCHES THE FIRST EVER CAR MANUAL MADE
BY THE OWNERS FOR THE OWNERS
- Pioneering online car manual for the Nissan LEAF is introduced as part of the Big Turn On campaign
- Includes online tutorials from Nissan LEAF owners
- Covers the LEAF's advanced technology, smart innovations and performance
- Busts many common myths around EV including: cost, range and ease of use
- Informative and innovative guide can be viewed at http://www.the-big-turn-on.com/
ROLLE, Switzerland (14 June 2012) - Nissan Europe has launched the first ever video car manual made by owners for owners. The pioneering manual is designed to help new LEAF owners make the most of the 100% electric car's technology and has been introduced on day 70 of 100 of Nissan's Big Turn On campaign, a pan-European initiative which aims to turn people on to electric driving.
This series of videos have been produced as part of a campaign to get 1 million "turn ons" or pledges to electric driving in 100 days, with the current total standing at over 900,000 with 30 days still to go. The Big Turn On is an online initiative which aims to show people the clear benefits of electric driving whilst challenging some of the myths and pre-conceptions. The online videos and tutorials show four UK-based Nissan LEAF owners and enthusiasts demonstrating the technology and performance of the electric car and they can be found at: http://www.the-big-turn-on.com/ as well as via YouTube.
One of the drivers featured in the video is Mark Goodier, radio broadcaster and small businessman who was the first owner of a LEAF in the UK. He commented: "Owning a Nissan LEAF says that we care about the environment and clean air in cities, for us, for cyclists, and also that we care about costs. The Nissan LEAF is definitely cheaper to drive. The car is literally packed with smart innovations. There is a multifunction screen which displays a radio, map and even a reversing camera where drivers can see what is behind them without turning round." Goodier reveals: "Our 18 year-old drives the LEAF and thinks it's the coolest car we've ever had".
The guide tackles some common questions around Nissan LEAF ownership, including range. A fully charged Nissan LEAF can go for 109 miles which is greater than the daily distance covered by 90% of European drivers. Range is not an issue according to Goodier: "Driving the Nissan LEAF changes the way you drive, because you're mindful of getting the best range out of the battery."
Also talking about the technology is Richard Todd, an electronics engineer from St Albans, who was one of the first LEAF owners in the UK. He believes Nissan have really thought about making it usable, commenting: "in the winter, normally half an hour before I want to use the car, I just log in. I hit the climate control ‘on' button and it defrosts and heats the car up. All the time, it is running from the power of the house rather than the car battery." Owners can also compare their driving performance with other drivers. Nissan will even send an email to them, if their car has been tampered with.
The videos form one part of the ‘Big Turn On' which has now reached day 70, with the number of ‘turn ons' or pledges to electric driving standing at: over 900,000. The winning city will be donated 30 quick chargers from Nissan, which can charge any ChadeMo compliant vehicle to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes.
The campaign aims to reach one million potential EV advocates in France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, through a combination of myth-busting achievements and direct interaction via a massive digital and social movement. ‘Turning on' is as easy as a ‘click' - consumers can pledge their commitment to EV by clicking the ‘turn on' button via The Big Turn On website (http://www.the-big-turn-on.com/), via social media channels or by signing up for a LEAF test drive.
-Ends-
For more information please visit:
http://www.the-big-turn-on.com/
Notes to editors:
About The Big Turn On:
Visit http://www.the-big-turn-on.com/
To learn more about Nissan's Electric Vehicles, please visit: http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com/
About the Nissan LEAF:
The Nissan LEAF was the first mass produced EV winning the European, World and Japanese car of the year 2011. More than 30,000 units have been sold globally since its introduction in December 2010, making Nissan LEAF the world's most selling electric vehicle. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. Recharging from empty to 100% takes eight hours with a normal charger and just 30 minutes from empty to 80% using a quick charger in optimal conditions. Nissan LEAF has been awarded five stars in the tough Euro NCAP tests, making it one of the safest cars on the road. Nissan LEAF comes fully equipped with air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear-view parking camera. European production of the Nissan LEAF will start at Sunderland in early 2013.
About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced 677,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of 8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan, 2012 RJC Car of the Year, 2011 European Car of the Year, and 2011 World Car of the Year awards. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
Resources:
http://newsroom.nissan-europe.com/EU/en-gb/Home/Welcome.aspx
