Five of the popular EVs are now available from the hire firm’s London and Paris bases for short term hire as part of a three month trial. Three of London’s five will be available to consumers with the remaining two reserved for corporate clients.

With a range of 110 miles, the fully electric, C-Charge exempt hatchback is well suited for London driving, reckoned Rafael Girona, Chief Operating Officer of Europcar.

“Europcar has long believed in electric vehicles as a sustainable means of mobility and is committed to enabling early adoption of this type of vehicle,” said Mr Girona.

“We are proud to partner with Nissan to facilitate expansion of electric vehicles and provide our customers with the greenest possible mobility solutions.”

The zero emission vehicle will certainly meet London Mayor Boris Johnson’s approval as the capital battles to reduce its CO2 output and improve air quality.

Guillaume Cartier, Vice President for Sales Operations at Nissan International SA, hoped that customers would become LEAF lovers by evaluating the car in their own time.

Ken McCall, Managing Director of Europcar UK Group, added: “Hiring a Nissan LEAF could be the ideal option for motorists keen to reduce their fuel costs and avoid congestion charges.

“At the forefront of electric vehicle technology, it fits perfectly with our philosophy of pioneering sustainable car hire solutions, giving customers a real choice when it comes to car hire.”

Both companies will assess the trial’s success in May and could roll out the LEAF to other French and British cities if it proves a hit.

The new vans are being used by the regional technicians for fleet inspection and tyre replacement duties, serving First Group, Britain’s biggest bus operator running almost 8,000 vehicles.

Bridgestone’s Nichola Randall, the manager responsible for fleet vehicles, said the vans were the right combination of price and purpose.

She explained: “The role of the regional technician is to offer cover and support to the UK-wide team of technicians while the vehicles will be used to carry light equipment for electronic fleet inspections and heavyweight equipment such as tyres and wheels.

“When making a choice of new vans for the fleet, we found the Primastar SE to have the best specification for the price, as well as being appropriate for the job.”

The three vans are based at Bridgestone’s Suffolk, Leicestershire and South Wales depots.

Barry Beeston, Nissan’s fleet sales director, added: “The Primastar is a great match for Bridgestone’s requirements, enabling them to transport various items of equipment, whilst providing a high level of flexibility.

“The Primastar’s high specification, including Bluetooth and reverse parking sensors combined with competitive leasing rates, low maintenance costs and excellent residual values provides a strong solution for the business user.”

This significant investment is an integral part of the company’s commitment to reduce energy levels, improve its carbon footprint and reduce its annual energy bill. Lightcliffe Nissan Halifax were used to supply the Nissan LEAFs, and they are being made available for use to a number of the 120-strong staff, including founder and md Michael Todd.

“The environment forms a key part of our company ethos and our fleet of Nissan LEAFs build on our vision of becoming the UK’s most environmentally friendly printer,” explained Todd.

“The LEAF is the first practical five door, five seat EV on the UK market and our staff have embraced all aspects of the car which is why we kept adding them to our fleet.”

RCS offers staff access to a Nissan LEAF in return for a small salary sacrifice each month. In return staff get to drive the Nissan LEAF and because of its zero emissions status are not liable for any Benefit in Kind taxation, effectively providing them with free transport; a tasty perk in these tough economic times.

Charging the LEAF fleet has also just become quicker and easier with the installation an ABB rapid charger which means that the car can be charged to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes. The company has also installed a large bank of solar panels, which will generate enough juice to power the cars.

“There is no question the financial benefits are a bonus, but gaining the coveted ISO 14001 environmental standard and FSC^® (Forestry Stewardship Council^®) status – which means all paper we use can be traced back to its source – shows we live and breathe the environment at RCS,” said Todd.

“That’s why the 100% electric, Nissan LEAF was a perfect choice for us,” he added.

December was the cherry on top of the year for the Japanese brand, with 57,493 units sold, meaning Nissan out-sold its 2010 total in each month of 2011. This meant that an average market share over the full year period of 3.7 per cent, setting yet another record and topping 2010 by 0.6 per cent.

Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing in Europe said: “Despite the significant challenges we faced in 2011, including the devastating earthquake in Japan, Nissan has never been stronger in Europe. We are already established as the top Asian brand in key markets including the UK, France, Italy and Spain.

“This performance is being driven by segment-defining models designed, engineered and built in Europe, for Europe. Overall, Nissan produces around 70 per cent of vehicles sold within the region at plants in the UK, Spain and Russia, this ensures our line-up is attuned to European expectations in terms of style, quality, performance and reliability.“

The main contributors to Nissan’s success in 2011 was the Sunderland-built family of crossovers, with Qashqai achieving more than 250,000 sales (including the 7-seat ‘Qashqai +2’ derivative) and Juke securing over 123,000 sales in its first full year of production.

This huge demand for Nissan crossovers saw Sunderland plant achieve a record production volume in 2011 of 480,485 units. In a year that the plant celebrated its 25^th Anniversary , the plant operated 24-hour production of Qashqai throughout the full 12-month period.

The new Micra supermini also contributed more then 75,000 sales while demand for the X-TRAIL SUV more than tripled year-on-year to 33,000 units.

The Navara pickup, manufactured at Nissan’s Barcelona plant, increased sales by 50 per cent to above 23,000 units. While the NV200 van, also produced in Spain, recorded more than 17,500 sales.

Not-for-profit organisation Puragen says it was turned away by virtually every manufacturer before Nissan agreed to provide fleet terms for the new Nissan NV400, the NV200 and the Primastar vans.

Company head Jeremy Malindine outlined Puragen’s struggle experienced in obtaining fleet support.

“It was a hard journey finding a vehicle buying arrangement for our franchisees,” he explained.

“Nissan appeared to be the only manufacturer with the innovation and imagination to recognise the unique demands of franchised fleet supply.”

“We discovered the problem that faces every new, national franchise operation made up of privately-owned franchises with no trading history; motor manufacturers tend to see each franchise owner as a single entity, rather than recognising the aggregate value of the entire franchise network.

“This, typically, results in franchisees having to buy a single van as an individual, without fleet support and the protection that a fleet contract hire agreement provides. This is problematic for businesses that need to maintain vehicle uptime and have access to a replacement in case of maintenance.

Nissan will supply a minimum of 100 vehicles over the next 12 months and Fleet Sales Director Barry Beeston revealed that the deal with Puragen would be mutually beneficial.

“It’s great that we were able to deliver for Puragen, especially since they had been turned away by rivals,” he commented.

“Working in partnership with a renewable energy business fits well with our wider environmental ethos and the innovation we are bringing to the electric vehicle market.”

Opening from 1-5 November, the interactive exhibition will be the first time anyone has seen the specially converted NV200 taxi which incorporates ideas and suggestions from the very people who drive them as well as passengers and NYC residents.

Joe Castelli, Vice President for Nissan Fleet & Commercial Vehicles, said the new models features more interior space and has been built with materials that improve cleanliness.

“Nissan’s NV200 Taxi will be the first taxi in the world to offer new and iconic features developed for, and with, New Yorkers,” Castelli commented.

“The Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo will offer a first look at these one-of-a kind amenities, which include increased legroom, plenty of interior lighting, and materials that reduce odours and germs while supporting sustainability.”

Economy booster

Powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder powertrain, the new taxis could hit the New York road network from the start of 2013 and will deliver 25 mpg; a notable improvement on the 12mpg available from the outgoing Ford Crown Victoria models.

Features which could be included are sliding doors, mobile charging stations, and overhead windows allowing passengers to enjoy the towering New York skyline.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg expects the NV200 to become “the safest, most comfortable and most convenient cab the city has ever had”.

He added: “We started this process to leverage our taxi industry’s purchasing power to get the highest quality taxi, one that that can expand and redefine the legendary image of New York City taxicabs.”

The Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo will be hosted on the pedestrian plaza across from the Flatiron building at Broadway and Fifth Avenue, if you’re in the area…

Sergio Alcaraz, Vice President of Nissan’s LCV Business Unit, claims there is more to the new van than just its individual look with practicality and flexibility also serving as major selling points.

The new NV400 can carry gross vehicle weights of between 2.8 and 4.5 tonnes with cargo volumes of 8m³ to 17m³.

“With NV200 and now NV400, there is no doubt Nissan offers attractive functionality and great choice in the LCV market,” says Sergio.

Coming in three wheelbase versions, four different lengths, three different heights, customers can also choose from three power options plus six-speed manual and robotised transmissions.

“The NV400 is very versatile and offers a solution to each need in the heavy van sector,” added Alcaraz.

“It is much more than a replacement for Interstar and takes us into a much wider market segment thanks to the great breadth and depth of the range.”

Available right now, prices start at £18,995 excluding VAT.

Stretching from Glasgow to Reading, the LEAF’s new branches take its rolling dealership total to 32.

More compact, fast charge stations – which are still being developed – will make their debut at the new Nissan EV dealers early next year, replacing the twin-head Podpoint charging posts and 16A charging units currently installed at the dealerships.

Specially trained EV Relationship Managers will also be introduced at each Nissan EV dealer, clued up with all the details of owning and driving the 100% electric car for any potential LEAF customers.

The new LEAFs new dealerships are:

• Holdcroft Nissan, Stoke
• Macklin Motors, Glasgow
• Trenton, Hull
• WLMG, Reading
• WLMG, Mill Hill
• Wessex Garages, Bristol

It was 8 September 1986 when then-PM Margaret Thatcher painted the ‘daruma’ doll’s second eye to signify the opening of the North East factory which went on to produce over 6.2m vehicles, becoming the first UK car plant to complete more than 400,000 models in one year.

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Co, hailed the UK’s largest car plant as a beacon of Nissan’s exemplary leadership in manufacture, management and technology.

He said Sunderland’s success defined a global car company in the 21st century, adding: “I celebrate this milestone with the Nissan Sunderland Plant and commend the significant achievements of the plant and its employees over the past 25 years.”

Restated confidence

Current PM David Cameron also applauded the manufacturer’s efforts saying: “I welcome Nissan’s continued investment in the UK, and the important role Nissan is playing in helping to rebalance our economy.

“With the design, development and manufacture of their new generation Qashqai all taking place in the UK, Nissan has restated its confidence in the skills of its British workforce and in the UK’s manufacturing sector.”

From the original 430 employees which turned up for work a quarter of a century ago, 133 remain.

Twelve different models have been produced at the Sunderland in its 25 years including the Bluebird, Primera, Micra, Almera, Note, Qashqai and Juke.

The fully electric models will transport National Grid inspectors between tunnel shaft sites during the eight year project to provide a new high voltage electric cabling network for the city of London.

Paul de Jong, Safety & Sustainability Manager for the electricity and gas company, said: “We are always keen to look at new ways of working to operate in a more sustainable manner, including the way that staff and materials are transported. 

“We wanted to see whether electric vehicles would be suitable for getting around already congested areas in London.”

After trying several hybrid models, the National Grid went with the C-Charge-exempt LEAF for its five door practicality, comfortable ride, and low running costs.

Service and maintenance duties will be handled by Inchcape Fleet Management while funding was provided by Hitachi Capital.

Ideal companion

David Morse, Fleet Operations Manager, revealed that the four LEAFs are the first EVs to join the company’s 2,600-vehicle fleet.

“The LEAF has already won favour with the staff that will be using the car around the clock,” he added.

“Its combination of zero emissions when in use, low running costs, size and interior space will make it an ideal companion on this world class engineering project.”

Barry Beeston, Fleet Sales Director for Nissan GB, believes the LEAF is proving that EVs have a place in a modern day fleet environment. 

“From a corporate perspective, the LEAF can help reduce a company’s carbon footprint and running costs and is comfortable and well specified to ensure company drivers do not have to compromise when they go for a zero emission solution,” he concluded.

Production of the compact crossover SUV began in December 2006, which makes the Qashqai the quickest UK-built model to hit seven figures.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, hailed the Qashqai as a “phenomenal success”, applauding those behind its design and production.

He said: “Qashqai was a real crossover pioneer and producing one million in such a short space of time is a fantastic achievement, not just by staff at the Sunderland Plant, but also by the designers and engineers who developed such a popular car and our dealer network who have helped to generate such high demand.”

Disruption

With the car manufacturing industry suffering severe hiccups due to parts shortages triggered by Japan’s tsunami in March, UK Business Minister Mark Prisk said the Qashqai’s achievement was a welcome success story for both Nissan and the UK.

He added: “With the millionth car coming off the production line, the Sunderland, Cranfield and Paddington workforce should take great pride in its popularity.

“It’s great news that they will be able to build on their success with the recent announcement that the UK has been chosen to design, engineer and build the new Qashqai model.”

Paul Everitt, the SMMT’s Chief Executive, said: “The UK is home to some of the world’s most productive automotive facilities making cars that are in demand across the globe.

“Landmarks such as today’s announcement from Nissan serve to reinforce this, demonstrating the importance of manufacturing to our economy and its contribution to an export-led recovery.”

Despite its success, Nissan hasn’t been entirely immune to the effects of Japan’s disaster. The manufacturer last week estimated that profits for this financial year would take a 15% hit in comparison to last year.

Investment

However, there is enough evidence to believe that the Qashqai fairy tale has several more chapters left in it.

Earlier this month, Nissan Chief Exec Carlos Ghosn announced an investment of £192m to ensure that the next generation Qashqai is produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.

“The UK has been a cornerstone of Nissan manufacturing since 1986 with the Sunderland plant setting important benchmarks for quality and efficiency in Europe and around the world,” said Mr Ghosn.

“The Qashqai is one of Nissan’s biggest product successes and as Nissan’s leadership in sustainable transportation grows, the plant will become one of the pillars of our zero-emission manufacturing.

“The unrelenting work ethic of Nissan employees is an inspiration – particularly after one of the worst natural disasters in modern history. The high level of motivation and performance of our Nissan team continues to be the foundation of our success.”

Guillaume Masurel, Nissan’s global chief marketing manager for Qashqai, attempted to identify which qualities had attributed to its success.

“Its balance of key SUV attributes like robust design, roomy interior and higher driving position combined with the benefits of a hatchback such as great fuel economy, compactness and driving dynamics, resonates well with customers around the world,” reckoned Mr Masurel.

“Combining the innovative concept with customer-oriented technology features, the Qashqai clearly demonstrates Nissan’s unique approach to meet customers’ changing expectations of their cars.”

The one millionth Qashqai – a silver 2L diesel TEKNA variant – will go on display at the O2 arena in London and will be the grand prize of a competition set to be launched in the coming months.

Since May, Nissan’s Sunderland factory has worked around the clock to deliver around 1,200 Qashqais each day. An update of the Qashqai in March last year introduced a refreshed design and improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Held in a brand new £26m pit, paddock and conference facility at Silverstone, Jukes formed just a section of the 144 cars offered as part of the live Nissan sale which included the Micra, Qashqai, X-Trail and Note models. Just nine cars were left unsold which translated to a 93.75% conversion, generating £1.6 million turnover.

Juke averaged 107.64% of CAP Clean – an exceptional performance with 20 examples on offer – while new Micra sold for an average of 100.56% CAP Clean values.

Martin Marks, Nissan’s Remarketing Manager, commented: “This was an innovative event that presented the new Juke to our dealers as a used car for the first time. 

“The strong attendance and the confident bidding throughout the sale underlines the desirability of the Nissan range and demonstrates the commitment of our dealer network towards used cars.”

If leasing is more your thing, visit ContractHireAndLeasing.com to compare the best Juke leasing quotes.