The agreement was signed by Patrice Ratti, Renault Sport Technologies Managing Director and Renault SAS representative; Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings; and Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technologies.

“Renault has demonstrated a unique commitment to zero-emission mobility, with a range of four vehicles available for sale. Renault in Europe, and the Renault-Nissan Alliance worldwide, has gained a position of EV sales leader. Formula E is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the excellence and the reliability of our EV solutions,” said Philippe Klein, Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning, Product Planning & Programs of Renault Group. “We believe that motorsport is an efficient manner to promote the efficiency of new technologies, and we’re eager to use that single-seater in FIA Formula E championship to show our technology is the best.”

Renault said its ongoing involvement in motor racing’s series provides it with a unique technological laboratory, giving it an edge not only in the world of production vehicles but also on the race track.

According to Renault, its technological excellence extends not only in F1 but also in all Z.E. range.

“Renault and Formula E both share the same commitment to innovative technology and sustainable motoring and we’re delighted to welcome them to the Championship as a Founding Partner,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoter Formula E Holdings. “Not only is Renault one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, with a very successful motorsport pedigree, it is also a pioneer for electric vehicles being the first full-range car manufacturer to market zero-emission vehicles. To have a manufacturer of this caliber onboard is a great testament to the growing appeal of the FIA Formula E Championship.”

Spark Racing Technology sided toward this technological expertise to optimize the electric and electronic layout. The 42 Formula E single-seaters built for the start of the first season will be named “Spark-Renault”.

“Spark Racing Technology is extremely proud to have a new major quality player in motorsport, Renault,” said Frédéric Vasseur, CEO of Spark Racing Technology. “Their record and involvement in high level motorsport speaks for the brand. In addition, Renault has always been at the forefront of innovation and having their expertise and know-how is invaluable at such a key moment in the creation of the FIA Formula E World Championship. This partnership with Renault is a new corner stone in a building harmoniously taking shape at all levels.”

Renault Sport Technologies said it is the only car manufacturer to design, develop and market a comprehensive range of sporting cars and vehicles made for motorsport within the same entity. It was obvious for Renault to ask his subsidiary to work on this project and to put to good use all the engineers’ expertise on motorsport vehicles.

“Renault’s expertise in electric powertrain design and integration acquired both in production EV and in Formula 1 makes Renault Sport a natural partner for Spark in this exciting Formula E project,” said Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies. “Engineers from Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will collaborate with Spark Racing Technology team to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain. Our experience will be particularly valuable to ensure the safety and reliability of the car.”

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The Leaf fended off competition from rival electric and hybrid manufacturers to win one of the most significant UK fleet awards.

The Fleet World Honours Car Awards are open to all manufacturers and the judging process combines the expert opinion of the Fleet World editorial team with the values provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet data providers.

The Leaf was judged upon a variety of criteria specific to fleet including cost of ownership and fit for purpose credentials with the 100 percent electric car ultimately judged to be the best environmentally focused car available for fleets to buy in the UK today.

This award comes following improvements made to the New Leaf, including extended range from 109 miles to 124 miles, a battery that is capable of recharging in about half the time of the first-generation Leaf and for the first time, buyers can lease batteries for the 100 percent electric car.

Fleet World editor, Steve Moody, said: “Nissan has been almost single-handedly driving the electric vehicle market forward in the past few years, with the Leaf spearheading this push by taking the vast majority of EV sales. With its recent enhancements, the Leaf is more viable than ever.”

Meanwhile, Hyundai received the Technology Award for the ix35 Fuel Cell, an award shared with the Renault Zoe.

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Named after the chemical symbol for hydrogen, the H2USA partnership brings together government agencies, gas suppliers, the hydrogen and fuel cell industries and automakers including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota.

While American automakers and private industry have made significant progress, H2USA will bring experts together to solve key infrastructure challenges, including leveraging low-cost natural gas resources.

Through the program, industry and government partners will identify actions to encourage early adopters of fuel cell electric vehicles, conduct coordinated technical and market analysis, and evaluate alternative fueling infrastructure that can enable cost reductions and economies of scale.

“Fuel cell technologies are an important part of an all-of-the-above approach to diversify America’s transportation sector, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase our competitiveness in the global market,” said assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, David Danielson in the Energy Department’s press release. “By bringing together key stakeholders from across the U.S. fuel cell and hydrogen industry, the H2USA partnership will help advance affordable fuel cell electric vehicles that save consumers money and give drivers more options.”

Hyundai is currently making a fuel-cell-powered version of the Tucson with the goal of selling 1,000 units by 2015, when it will launch the next-generation Tucson and target annual output of about 10,000 units.

“Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell program is an integral part of our plan to develop low-carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” said Gil Castillo, senior group manager, alternative vehicle strategy, Hyundai Motor America. “Our partnership with the Energy Department and H2USA is another way Hyundai is striving to meet the critical social needs for both mobility and environmental preservation.”

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GM will procure the vehicle from Nissan and distribute it through the Chevrolet dealer network.

The 2015 City Express, based on the Nissan NV200, is Chevrolet’s first entry into the small van segment in the U.S. and Canada.

It will join the full-size Express van as part of the Chevrolet lineup in the fall of 2014.

Nissan currently sells a version of the vehicle as the NV200 in numerous markets globally, including the United States and Canada.

An electric version of the NV200 is available, but no word yet as to the inclusion of an electric version of the City Express under this agreement.

“Our fleet customers have asked us for a small cargo van, so this addition to the Chevrolet portfolio will strengthen our position as the partner of choice for all of our customers,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales. “It’s quite common in many parts of the world to leverage available manufacturing resources to bring transportation solutions to market for our customer’s benefit. It’s just smart business!”

Chevrolet said its entry into this segment will allow business customers to purchase all of their vehicles from one manufacturer, and service them through the largest dealer network offering even more convenience for their business.

Designed for small businesses to large fleets looking for a small, fuel-efficient, cargo carrying vehicle, the City Express will be available in LS and LT trim levels.

Contrary to the NV200, which is also available as a passenger version, the City Express will be – for now – solely a cargo vehicle.

The City Express is powered by a 2.0 liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine rated at 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. The engine is preliminarily matched with a CVT transmission.

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The car was handed over to the organization Tuesday May 14 at Cité Nissan in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The fully electric, zero-emission, five-passenger car will be used to ensure vulnerable families have food, hygiene products, shelter and assistance in restoring order to their lives after fires and major disasters in the Greater Montreal area.

“Sun Youth would like to extend its most heartfelt thanks to the Nissan Canada Foundation for its generous contribution over the years. They are truly dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our society, and is a relentless driver for positive and lasting change,” said Tommy Kulczyk, assistant to the executive director and director of Sun Youth’s Emergency Services. “This Nissan LEAF donation represents a great leap forward in Sun Youth’s effort to promote and encourage environmentally conscientious behaviour, sending a clear message to our community. We must not only include, protect, and nurture those who are vulnerable and marginalized, but also be considerate for that which we will always share, our environment.”

Sun Youth’s Disaster Assistance program has been on the scene of fires and major disasters in the Greater Montreal area since the 1970’s and with support from the Nissan Canada Foundation since 1996. Today’s donation has fortified one of the pillars of Sun Youth’s contribution to the Greater Montreal area and will help ensure this program can continue with the same capacity and reach.

This is the first time that the Nissan Canada Foundation has donated a Nissan LEAF to a charitable organization and is Sun Youth’s first electric car.

“In celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Nissan Canada Foundation and nearly twenty years supporting Sun Youth, we’re proud to make this contribution and to know that this Nissan LEAF will be used to help those in need,” said Christian Meunier, President, Nissan Canada Inc. “When disasters strike, organizations like Sun Youth provide the hope and comfort that can make all the difference in the world – we’re just happy to help them make a difference.”

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After assessing 11 compact sedans equipped with six key features and factoring in five years of fuel costs, the Sentra sits atop the Cars.com list with $730 separating it from the next most affordable car on the list.

According to the editors at Cars.com, the Sentra bested its closest competitors thanks to its segment-leading fuel costs.

Each vehicle included in the comparison was evaluated with the following features sought by consumers: automatic transmission, cruise control, USB input, remote entry, tilt steering, and steering-wheel audio controls.

To get this combination in the 2013 Sentra, Cars.com tested the SV trim level, with the addition of the Driver Package.

“Pairing value and best-in-class fuel efficiency with style and comfort, the all-new Nissan Sentra truly stepped up its compact car game in 2013,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “Sentra is a solid offering in Nissan’s most innovative, highest-quality, highest-value sedan lineup ever, and we are excited to see it on top of this year’s Cars.com ‘Most Affordable Compact Sedan’ list.”

The Sentra can count on several changes contributing to the increased fuel savings. The 2013 Sentra is 150 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, yet has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room.

The lighter and more aerodynamic Sentra also uses a more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, which along with its second generation Xtronic CVT with sub-planetary gear helps deliver a 13 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy (over the prior model year).

Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon city, 39 miles per gallon highway and 34 miles per gallon combined with the CVT.

All Sentra models come with standard Xtronic CVT, except the base Sentra S which is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT.

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Ten local policing units (LPUs) will run three “diary car” Leafs each: the cars will be used to attend pre-arranged meetings with victims of crime and locals who have contacted the police force.

Diary cars average 40 to 45 miles per day making 124-mile range of the Leafs perfectly suited for WMP’s day-to-day needs.

After a successful trial by WMP Fleet Services last summer, the decision was made to order 30 Leafs and spread them evenly across each LPU.

Feedback so far has been very positive, with police drivers praising the LEAF for its arresting looks and zero emissions when in use.

Dedicated charging points installed at each LPU will be used to charge the Leafs, meaning officers won’t have trouble finding leads.

“We welcome the new Leafs, which fit in perfectly with the operational requirements of diary cars and will significantly cut our fuel costs while also reducing our carbon footprint,” said Bob Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Midlands Police.

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So far, only taxi drivers and government officials in Mexico City and in Aguascalientes are driving them.

Soon those in Mexico who want to drive a fully electric car will be able to buy the Nissan Leaf. The company said that is why it is working hard to get more electric vehicle charging infrastructure in place.

There now is a charging center in Aguascalientes that services the 50 Nissan Leaf taxis in the area. There are also two quick chargers, one in the heart of Mexico City and another in the city of Aguascalientes, both for public use.

Nissan officials said they hope to expand taxi programs, and public charging, like this to other cities and other countries in Latin America.

“Aguascalientes has been the benchmark on those (EV taxis), Mexico City as well. And there are a lot of other requests from other countries. Colombia has been pushing very hard requesting a lot of vehicles,” said Jorge Vallejo, Nissan Mexicana’s director of Government Affairs. “We are creating the first electric corridor in the entire Latin America region. It’s going to run from Mexico City up to Cuernavaca where we (Nissan) have another manufacturing facility.”

The Nissan Leaf will go on sale at dealerships in Mexico late this year.

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The pair is thus becoming the first 100 percent electric cars to join its staff company car program.

Looking for ways to reduce its vehicle fleet carbon footprint, Microsoft UK ran five weeks of competitive internal trials with other electric car manufacturers.

The trial involved inviting 500 Microsoft UK staff members ranging from engineers and senior directors to sample a variety of vehicles.

The software company said the Nissan Leaf made the final selection list after praise from Microsoft UK staff for its comfort, drivability and good level of standard equipment.

Microsoft UK has since installed two 32 amp quick chargers at its Reading HQ allowing staff who have opted for the Leaf to charge it on site.

First to take delivery of a Nissan Leaf is Alex Kureen, Microsoft UK’s partner/channel marketing manager.

Kureen will keep the vehicle for four years and cover approximately 7,000 miles per year as the LEAF becomes his environmentally friendly commuter vehicle.

“As you can imagine at a software company, when we announced the vehicle trial list we were overwhelmed with staff interest in an advanced piece of technology like the Nissan Leaf,” said Katie Colledge-Price, Microsoft UK’s car benefits manager. “During the trial the Leaf received consistently positive feedback for how enjoyable and calming it is to drive as well as being a comfortable family vehicle. We have installed charging points at our Reading HQ to encourage staff to consider electric vehicles to help reduce our carbon footprint so we’re now looking forward to welcoming more Leafs to Microsoft UK.”

In Europe, the Leaf is manufactured at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant, located in Sunderland, UK.

“Microsoft UK is at the cutting edge of hi-tech developments so to hear its praise for the LEAF and its technology is particularly pleasing,” said Barry Beeston, Nissan corporate sales director. “The Leaf represents an excellent solution to cutting any company’s carbon footprint as well as reducing running costs for the end user. After a positive trial process, we now look forward to providing more Leafs as staff at Microsoft UK see the benefits of 100 percent electric vehicles.”

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Nissan Sentra sales jumped 127.8 percent and was the strongest seller in Nissan’s line-up with 1,433 units sold.

Meanwhile, sales of the Nissan LEAF EV totaled 48 units, up 28.0 percent over last April.

Nissan also did well on the commercial side with the arrival of the NV200.

Nissan NV sales finished April at 141 units, the best month ever for the line-up as the NV200 compact commercial van begins to arrive in dealerships. 50 units of the NV200 were sold in its first month of availability.

“Nissan’s core volume models continue to perform well in a very competitive market and with the all-new Sentra and Pathfinder posting incredibly strong year-over-year sales increases, we expect this trend to continue,” said Christian Meunier, President of Nissan Canada Inc. “Our line-up continues to grow with the addition of the NV200 compact van leading to our best-ever commercial vehicle sales in Canada, and in a few months the all-new Versa Note arrives in showrooms.”

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