Honda CR Z USA Price Announced

Honda officially announced that the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid Sportscar will go on sale in America from August, starting from Just 19,200 USD. The Honda CR-Z will be made available in three trim levels, base, EX and EX with Navi, and with a choice between two transmissions, a 6-speed manual and the company's CVT gearbox. The fuel consumption of the Honda CR-Z equipped with the manual gearbox is rated at 31 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the combined cycle. The CVT version of the Honda CR-Z is rated at 35 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the open roads and 37 mpg in the combined cycle.

Upgrading to the CR-Z EX requires $21,510 and adds fog lights, aluminum pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded sound system with a subwoofer. The top-spec EX with navigation trim is $23,310 and, as the name suggests, adds a nav system, with voice recognition, to the EX’s equipment list.

The base model comes standard with AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The 2011 CR-Z EX adds a  360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with 7 speakers, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. Optional on the CR-Z EX is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition.

All CR-Zs feature a hybridized 1.5-liter petrol engine with 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) and 128 lb-ft (174 Nm) of torque.




Press Release

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is set to debut at dealers on August 24, 2010, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $19,200, plus a destination and handling charge(1) of $750, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Developed as a stylish, driver-focused vehicle with an emphasis on efficient performance, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z introduces a sleek two-passenger coupe design with quick, sporty handling to the gasoline-electric hybrid segment. A 1.5-liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine works with Honda's unique, compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power and efficiency to the CR-Z. A sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission is a first for any mass-produced hybrid. An automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

A new, exclusive 3-mode drive system allows the driver to configure the vehicle's responsiveness for Sport, Normal or Econ (Economy) driving modes. Driver efficiency tools include Eco Assist(TM) and Eco Scoring, which together can help drivers find improvements to efficient driving styles, while also comparing economy achievements to previous trips as well as the life of the vehicle.

The CR-Z is available in two equipment grades - the well-equipped CR-Z (base) and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. Standard features on the CR-Z include an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The CR-Z EX adds a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers - including a subwoofer - Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) with Voice Recognition(2).

The CR-Z demonstrates the Honda commitment to safety in the vehicle's design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure is designed to help protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA®); standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags; active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Model	Transmission	MSRP	EPA** City/Hwy/ Combined
CR-Z	MT	$19,200	31/37/34
CR-Z	CVT	$19,850	35/39/37
CR-Z EX	MT	$20,760	31/37/34
CR-Z EX	CVT	$21,410	35/39/37
CR-Z EX with Navigation	MT	$22,560	31/37/34
CR-Z EX with Navigation	CVT	$23,210	35/39/37

Additional media information, including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

(1) MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

(2) The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) is available on the CR-Z EX model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.

(3) Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Video:Seat Leon Cupra R Launched in the U.K.

The Spanish brand has announced today the Seat Leon Cupra R UK price and the fact that the first cars will hit British shores in a few weeks.

The production of the Seat Leon is sending only 500 copies to the U.K. of its hot new Leon Cupra R. The price is $37,350 and the first cars arrive "within weeks," according to the manufacturer.

Standard equipment includes XDS, ESP stability control, TCS traction control and EBA emergency braking assistance, a sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, extended rear spoiler, ‘R’ badging and gloss black highlighting inside and out.

The 2010 Seat Leon Cupra R extracts 265 PS and 350 Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, which translates into a top speed of 155 mph, needing 6.2 seconds when accelerating from 0 to 62 mph.

At the same time, the car gets 34.9 mpg, while spewing out only 190 grams of CO2 per kilometer.  Other features include XDS, a system that retools the anti-lock brakes to mimic a limited slip differential.  Stability control, traction control, and emergency brake assistance is also included.




Press Release

SEAT's scorching Leon Cupra R is here!

Just weeks after SEAT launched its most economical Leon to date in the shape of the latest Ecomotive the stylish Spanish brand is teeing up the showroom debut of its most potent Leon yet: the awesome Cupra R.

While the green-themed new Ecomotive with its road tax-busting CO2 rating of just 99g/km is all about economy and environmental responsibility the 265 PS Cupra R is, undeniably, aimed at ultra-hot hatch enthusiasts with high octane fuel coursing through their veins.

Storming into UK showrooms now, and due to face the glare of the nation's motoring media at a launch event in the next few days, the latest Leon is nothing less than the most powerful SEAT yet offered for sale in the brand's 25-year UK history.

That 265 PS power peak is the product of a tuned 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine - revised by the engineers at SEAT's state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Martorell to make it more potent, even, than the current Leon Cupra which is good for a still impressive 240 PS from its 2.0-litre powerplant.

The 16V petrol engine features a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy the greater performance demands and allow it to meet strict EU5 emissions standards while revisions to the electronic engine management system, plus increased maximum turbo pressure (1.9 bar at max output and 2.2 bar at max torque, versus 1.8 bar for the 240 PS 2.0-litre TSI in Leon Cupra) complete the powerplant changes beneath the SEAT's svelte ‘clamshell' bonnet.

The torque generated by the new Cupra R's refined and willing engine is, arguably, even more impressive than its power peak. No less than 350 Nm is on offer at just 2,500 rpm - that's a full 50 Nm more than the already muscular Leon Cupra.

Naturally, the challenge of harnessing all this urge in a front-wheel drive set-up has been comprehensively met by SEAT's engineers who have applied a host of effective yet unobtrusive aids to the task.

XDS - SEAT's clever electronic system which uses enhanced ABS functionality to mimic the operation of a traditional limited slip differential - ESP stability control, TCS traction control and EBA emergency braking assistance are among the new car's standard-fit kit and work together to help keep things on the straight and narrow.

The result? Near-supercar levels of acceleration and performance. The benchmark 0-62 mph dash is dispatched in only 6.2 seconds while, where legal, Leon Cupra R drivers can thence press onward to a top speed of 155 mph. Impressive stuff.

As impressive, perhaps, is the new Leon's frugality. Combined economy of 34.9 mpg and CO2 limited to just 190 g/km make the newcomer among the ‘greenest' ultra-hot hatches around. Not green enough to qualify for the brand's Ecomotive badge, of course, but markedly more environmentally responsible than a number of rivals which have CO2 emissions of 220 g/km and above.

The Cupra R's standard six-speed manual gearbox has not escaped the development engineers' attention either: modifications include a shorter ‘throw' (down by six millimetres) to help the driver achieve even faster changes.

As stylish as it is swift, the latest Leon has undergone a number of bespoke styling modifications, inside and out, to elevate its kerbside appeal and deliver the necessary air of exclusivity demanded by what will be an elite hot hatch.

Among the changes are the addition of sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, discreet extended high level rear spoiler, subtle ‘R' badging and the careful application of gloss black highlighting inside and out.

The new ebony black front seatbacks even give rear seat occupants a taste of the Cupra R cabin upgrade, while the prominent ‘R' logo incorporated on the seatbacks leaves no one in any doubt about the identity of this super-quick SEAT.

Mighty 19-inch ‘Potenza' wheels, available in traditional silver alloy or contemporary white finish, mark out the ‘R' as something extra special and ensure the car becomes the first SEAT model to use 19-inch wheels on this platform.

UK pricing for the new Leon Cupra R is confirmed at £25,205, production is limited to around 500 in a full year, and the first customer cars are due to be delivered within weeks.

Welcoming the long-awaited arrival of SEAT's most powerful model to date the brand's UK Product Marketing Manager, Andy Medcraft, said: ‘The Leon Cupra R is a special car for us not just because it is the most powerful, fastest and most extreme production model we have yet made.

‘It also clearly illustrates what makes SEAT stand out from the crowd, and is our brand's familiar 'auto emoción' slogan made metal.

'We're anticipating a huge surge of interest around the showroom debut of this exclusive car and I know our dealers nationwide can't wait to welcome it.'

Orders Open for the Hulme CanAm Supercar

Hulme Supercars the makers of NZ’s first Supercar the Hulme CanAm have just announced plans for a 20 unit limited production run. To reserve a Hulme CanAm Supercar you need to make a 10,000 GBP and the final Hulme CanAm price is set to 295,000 GBP, without local taxes.

Powered by a 7.0-litre V8 Chevrolet LS7 V8 worth 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque at the rear wheels, the car is said to be capable of sprinting from 0 - 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds. Top speed is over 200 mph (322 km/h). Mated to the engine is a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. A sequential manual shift option will be available.

Hulme will put the deposits in a trust account that will be returned for any prospective customers that decide to cancel. For those that decide to take delivery, the $700,000+ purchase price includes two business class tickets to Auckland, New Zealand for final fitting of the car and some local driving time. Once the customer is satisfied, the car will get shipped to its final destination.




Press Release

HULME CANAM SUPERCAR OPENS TO ORDERS

A limited run of just 20 New Zealand-designed and built Hulme CanAm supercars ensures extreme rarity value.

The developers of the eagerly-awaited 200+mph Hulme CanAm Supercar, named in honour of New Zealand racing legend and F1 World Champion, Denny Hulme, have announced an attractive proposition for those wishing to purchase an option to order one of an extremely limited production run.

The Auckland based Supercar developer-manufacturer, Hulme Supercars, has launched a package which is designed to guarantee rarity value by offering options to purchase the total production run of just 20 Hulme CanAm supercars, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The only production road car to bear the name of a F1 World Champion,

The Hulme CanAm is an ultra high-performance, mid-engined roadster. Created for both road and track use, the car blends the raw flavour and appeal of a Formula racing car with dramatic design, superb craftsmanship, exceptional performance and a thrilling and achievable driving experience.

An order for the CanAm will be secured by the deposit of £10,000 which, as Jock Freemantle, Hulme Managing Director, explains, is fully-refundable if the option is not converted to an order.

"Deposits will be held in a Trust account", he confirms, "pending a private viewing and driving experience of the car at or before the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed for those who have purchased an option to order. Following that, if anyone does not wish to proceed, the terms on which the deposit is paid will provide a guarantee that their total deposit will be returned immediately."

The 20 customer cars will be coach-built and equipped to customer order, with delivery commencing in the UK in the Autumn of 2011 and into 2012, the 20th anniversary of Denny Hulme's death.

Those who proceed to purchase are promised an experience as unique as the Hulme CanAm itself. Having determined the specification of their car, Hulme customers will enjoy two Air New Zealand Business Premier (Full flat bed) return tickets to Auckland, New Zealand, with one-week luxury accommodation, for their final fitting in the car and further road and circuit driving, before the car is shipped to their chosen destination.

All production cars will be numbered, with a guaranteed certificate of authenticity, and a 1/8 scale exact replica, finished in the same livery and specification, plus a full photographed dossier of the car's build.

For Freemantle, the purchase offer is a significant milestone in the development of the Hulme CanAm:

"The concept car, in coupe form, was first revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2006. Such was the interest that we conducted extensive research to assess demand, culminating in the decision to initially offer an open-top CanAm version, celebrating Hulme's victories of the "Can Am Championship" in 1968 and 1970," he said.

Development of the ultra-sleek F1-inspired CanAm car continued, with a finished prototype extensively tested on both road and track before the decision was made to accept orders.

Designed and hand-built by the Hulme Supercars technology team in New Zealand - including members who were responsible for the nation's America's Cup triumphs - the road-legal "Hulme CanAm" features an ultra-lightweight carbon composite tub and bodywork, and race-orientated chassis, suspension and braking.

To honour Denny's CanAm Championship wins in McLaren CanAm cars powered by Chevrolet V8's, the Hulme CanAm is powered by a 7-litre (427cu.in) Chevrolet LS7 V8 developing 600bhp and 600Nm torque, fed through a close-ratio, six-speed CIMA manual gearbox (Paddles or Sequential shift will be options available). As a consequence of its lightweight construction, the Hulme CanAm weighs in at less than 1,000kg. This combination promises a sub-three and a half second sprint to 100kph, and top speed in excess of 200mph.

Despite its ultra-performance and emphatic race car credentials, the Hulme Supercars' design and development focus has been on driveability, with power delivery and handling dynamics optimised for maximum driving enjoyment on track and on the road.

For Greeta Hulme, the widow of Denny - who passed away in 1992 - the announcement of the Hulme CanAm's production is warmly welcomed: "Jock Freemantle's desire to honour Denny's life with this unique car has been matched by his irrepressible enthusiasm and passion to create it. I am both proud and immensely impressed with what he and the Hulme Supercars team have achieved."

The purchase price of the Hulme CanAm will be fixed at £295,000 (plus local taxes) on receipt of an order, including delivery worldwide.

To purchase one of only 20 options available, e-mail Jock Freemantle at jock.f@hulmesupercars.com or write to Hulme Supercars Limited, P.O.Box97853,ManukauCity2241,Manukau,New Zealand.

The final vehicle specification, customer options included in the sale price, and details of the order and payment terms, will be confirmed before the options are converted to an order. Development specifications are available now from Hulme Supercars by e-mail to jock.f@hulmesupercars.com or from Hulme Supercars Limited, P.O.Box97853,ManukauCity2241,Manukau,New Zealand. and from the website. www.hulmesupercars.com.

Hulme CanAm Standard Specifications

Body & Chassis
Chassis:	Carbon Fibre/Composite construction
Body:	Carbon Fibre/Composite construction
Engine & Transmission
Type:	General Motors LS7 V8
Cylinders:	8
Displacement:	427 cu.in /7,000cc
Stroke:	4.0” /100cm
Power:	450Kw (600 HP)
HP/Litre:	85.7
Torque:	600 Nm at rear wheels
Configuration:	Mid-longitudinal
Transmission:	CIMA 6-speed, transaxle with LSD
Drive Wheels:	RWD
Suspension
Front:	Double Wishbone & Pushrod
	Inboard Coil-over damper & anti-roll bar
Rear:	Double Wishbone & Pushrod.
	Inboard Coil-over damper & anti-roll bar
Braking
Front:	Ventilated discs (362 x 32mm), AP Racing 6-Piston Calipers.
Rear:	Ventilated discs (362 x 32mm), AP Racing 6-Piston Calipers.
Steering
Type:	Progressive power-assisted
Wheels & Tyres
Wheels:	Front: 8.5” x 19” alloy Centre lock
	Rear: 11” x 20” alloy Centre lock
Tyres:	Front: 245 x 40 x 19 Pirelli P.-Zero Rosso
	Rear: 315 x 35 x 20 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
Dimensions
Length:	4712 mm / 185.5 inch
Width:	1958 mm / 77 inch
Height:	1095 mm / 43 inch
Wheelbase:	2830 mm / 111.42 inch
Front Track:	1665 mm / 65.55 inch
Rear Track:	1605 mm / 63.19 inch
Kerb Weight:	980 Kg / 2160 lbs

Preview：Skoda Fabia vRS launches in UK

Skoda has announced that the new Fabia vRS range will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, with prices and specification having already been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor’s reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Maximum power is 132 kW (178 bhp / 180 PS) at 6,200rpm and peak torque is 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox which helps it accelerate from 0 - 62mph in 7.3 seconds for both the hatch and the estate. Average fuel consumption comes to 45.6 mpg-UK (6.2l / 100km).

The car comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate). It also features 17-inch ‘Gigaro’ alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit.

The Fabia vRS will also sip fuel at the rate of 6.1 litres/100kms and comes with an XDS electronic differential for extra cornering grip.

The new Skoda Fabia vRS will be available for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version.





Press Release

NEW ŠKODA FABIA vRS LAUNCHES IN THE UK

• On sale in the UK from 29 July
• Estate version available for the first time
• 1.4-litre TSI turbo and supercharged to give 180bhp
• Seven-speed DSG gearbox with paddleshift as standard
• XDS electronic differential boosts cornering grip
• 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg

The fantastic new Fabia vRS will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, and prices and specification have been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor's reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Available as a hatch and estate, the vRS is powered by the fantastic 1.4 TSI 180bhp engine in tandem with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate).

The new vRS features stylish 17-inch ‘Gigaro' alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit giving it a very sporty appearance. Customers can also choose an optional white or black roof with a range of body colours, including the new Rallye Green, inspired by the Škoda Fabia S2000 rally car.

Inside, the vRS boasts figure-hugging vRS sports seats, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with radio controls and paddles for changing gear and MDI (Multi-Device Interface) for use with iPods and other mp3 players.

Overall, the vRS offers fantastic value for money, particularly when compared to the competition. Where else can you find a 180bhp engine with DSG, paddles, LED lights and loads of standard kit for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version?

Pricing

Hatch	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£15,700
Estate	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£16,495

Standard specification

• 17" alloy wheels "GIGARO" 7J x 17"
• 3-spoke multi-function leather sports steering wheel w/ paddles & controls for radio
• Alarm with tilt sensor
• Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
• Electric front windowsESP (incl ABS, MSR and ASR)+HHC+TPM+XDS (ESP with Hill Hold Control, Tyre Pressure
• Monitor and Electonically Controlled Differential)
• Height adjustable driver's and passenger seat
• ISOFIX in outer rear seats
• LED daylight running lights
• Manual air conditioning
• Maxi-dot trip computer
• MDI (Multi-device interface and cable for connecting MP3 players)
• adio ‘Swing' 2DIN CD and 8 speakers (can play MP3 recordings)
• Rear chrome double exhaust pipe
• Rear spoiler (painted in body colour or roof colour)
• Remote central locking
• Small leather pack (handbrake, gearknob and gaiter)
• Sport seats with vRS logo
• Sports suspension
• Stainless steel pedals and vRS logo on kickplates
• Sunset glass (from the B-pillar back)

Technical data

	Fabia vRS Hatch 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	Fabia vRS Estate 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG
Emissions
CO2 (g/km)	148	148
Standard Euro emissions	EUV
Engine and drive train
CC	1,390
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Fuel delivery	Direct injection
Number of gears	7
Performance
0 to 62 mph (secs)	7.3	7.3
Engine power (bhp/rpm)	180/6,200	180/6,200
Engine torque (Nm)	250/2,000-4,500	250/2,000-4,500
Top speed (mph)	139	140
Fuel consumption
EC urban (mpg)	36.7
EC extra-urban (mpg)	54.3
EC combined (mpg)	45.6
Tyre size front/rear	205/40 R17 84W	205/40 R17 84W
Weight and capacities
Gross vehicle weight	1,718	1,713
Luggage capacity (seats down)	1,163	1,460
Luggage capacity (seats up)	300	480
Max loading weight	400	400
Max roof load	75	75
Max towing weight – braked	-	-
Max towing weight – unbraked	-	-
Kerbweight	1,318	1,313

Colours

Fabia vRS will be available in a range of colours with optional black or white roofs. Estate is not available with a coloured roof.

	Black roof	White roof
Rallye Green Metallic	?	?
Race Blue Metallic	-	?
Black Magic Pearl Effect	-	?
Brilliant Silver Metallic	?	-
Sprint Yellow	?	-
Corrida Red	?	-
Candy White	?	-

2010 Nissan Leaf European Pricing Announced

Nissan Europe have announced the pricing structure for the European rollout of the 2011 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf car has received a huge number of  reservations in the U.S already and will be launched in Europe in three stages. Nissan plans to release just one model of the Leaf in Europe, as oppose to the two trim levels available in the U.S. from this Fall.

The cost of the Leaf in the UK will be £23,350 (€27,471) after a £5,000 government rebate. These first four countries were chosen because of the incentives that will keep the cost to consumers more manageable. Nissan will start taking reservations for the Leaf in Europe in July 2010.

Nissan Leaf customers will enjoy benefits such as zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years.

The automaker chose Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the U.K. as its launch markets because those nations already have tax reduction laws in place for purchasers of very low- or zero-emissions vehicles.  The car will be released on the rest of the European market before the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN PRICES OF NISSAN LEAF, WORLD'S FIRST MASS-MARKET, ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE

Price to be under 30,000 Euros after incentives in most European countries

• Price in UK is 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros) after government incentives
• Price in the Netherlands is 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Dutch buyers will benefit from 6,000-19,000 Euros (5,128-16,239 Pounds) in tax savings over five years
• Price in Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds) after government incentives
• Price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds) after government incentives
• All prices include battery
• Reservations for the four initial markets to begin in July
• Prices for other countries to be announced closer to launch

Nissan International SA today announced that the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be priced at under 30,000 Euros (25,641 Pounds) after incentives in most of its European launch markets - about the same as a comparably-equipped diesel or hybrid vehicle.

The company also announced specific prices for the UK, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Portugal, the four initial European launch markets for the Nissan LEAF. Reservations will begin in July.

The Nissan LEAF is a compact, zero-emission five-passenger family car that comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.

"Nissan leads the industry by being the first automaker to offer an affordable zero-emission car. It's a pure electric vehicle, with no tailpipe emissions and very low running costs. Nissan LEAF may look similar to a compact family car, but its smoothness, acceleration and handling will surprise and impress drivers and passengers alike," said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan International SA.

In the United Kingdom, the purchase price of the Nissan LEAF would be 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros)after government incentives. The price, which includes the battery, is 28,350 Pounds (33,353 Euros) before incentives. The UK government recently announced that it will refund 25 percent of the purchase price of a pure electric vehicle, up to a limit of 5,000 Pounds. The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in the UK in February 2011.

An array of other incentives can further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning the Nissan LEAF. In the UK, EV customers benefit from advantages including zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years. This, combined with significant savings in fuel costs of about 600 Euros (513 Pounds) on average annually in Europe versus a traditional car, makes the Nissan LEAF an affordable and compelling proposition.

The purchase price in the Netherlands will be 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Here, subsidies will take the form of zero vehicle registration and road taxes, resulting in tax savings of 6,000 Euros for private car owners and 19,000 Euros for company car owners over five years. Sales in the Netherlands begin this December.

The price in the Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Buyers will be exempt from vehicle registration tax, which can amount to as much as 3,800 Euros on a C-segment car. Sales in Ireland begin in February next year.

The price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Portuguese customers owning the Nissan LEAF benefit from road tax exemption. Sales in Portugal begin this December.

Nissan has decided to launch in these countries first due to significant government incentives for electric cars, and the ongoing development of charging infrastructure for their successful adoption. By the end of next year, Nissan LEAF will be available in every major Western European country.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing over four billion Euros to lead the auto industry in electric vehicles, with eight products across three brands," said Simon Thomas. "This investment includes five battery plants and seven confirmed assembly plants, including Sunderland in the UK. This reflects the strong commitment the alliance has made to electric vehicles and our determination to lead the market."

To ensure a place in line when Nissan begins taking reservations in the four initial markets, customers in those countries should pre-register on their local Nissan consumer website.*

In addition to purchasing the car outright, customers will also be able to buy the car on a Nissan finance plan. Details of the all-inclusive acquisition method will also be released in July.