When
it comes to the world of electric vehicles, Nissan is way ahead of the pack.
Now the Japanese company under Carlos Ghosn is bringing into production its second
all-electric vehicle, the e-NV200.
Nissan’s
first electric vehicle Leaf is already the world's best-selling electric
vehicle with more than 110,000 vehicles sold in some of the developed
countries.
According
to a company statement, the e-NV200 will soon be available in Europe as both a
passenger vehicle and light commercial van. It would be produced at the
Barcelona plant (Spain) of the company. A ceremony at the plant was attended by
Spanish Ministry of Industry, José Manuel Soria, Catalan President, Artur Mas
and the Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias. They were welcomed by Nissan's Chief
Planning Officer, Andy Palmer.
The
Nissan plant in Barcelona will be the global production site for this ground
breaking zero-emission vehicle, which will be available as a light commercial
van, passenger vehicle and electric taxi in the European market.
Representing
an investment of €100 million (Rs 836 crore approx.) in Nissan's Barcelona
Plant, as part of a wider €431 million (Rs 3601 crore approx.) investment in
its Spanish operations, the e-NV200 will initially be exported to around 20
international markets, including Japan. Just as with the Nissan Leaf
introduction, the number of markets will grow after the initial launch, to
continue the company's sustained electric vehicle expansion.
Andy
Palmer said, "This is a great landmark day for Nissan, starting production
of our second electric vehicle. This is
at a time when EVs are now recognised as mainstream technology. Many
competitors are only just starting to launch their first EV – where Nissan has
clear first mover advantage. We're proud that the Nissan LEAF is the world's
best-selling electric vehicle with more than 110,000 delighted customers
enjoying the quiet and smooth ride of an EV."
Barcelona
will be the first city in the world to introduce the e-NV200 as a 100 percent
electric taxi, an initiative Palmer believes is vital for the city. "This
e-NV200 taxi has renewed significance in the wake of record levels of air
pollution in London and Paris. Bringing a significant number of zero emission
vehicles to Barcelona's streets will ensure cleaner air for every citizen,
visitor and tourist, and we're confident that forward-thinking councils
everywhere will be clamouring to bring these benefits to their municipalities
in the coming years," he said.
Source: Nissan Motors