Nissan LEAF to Make Spring Debut in South Africa

IRVINE, Calif. – Nissan in South Africa is set to create a new kind of stir in the local vehicle market this spring as the Nissan LEAF goes on sale as the country's first electric vehicle (EV).

Epitomizing the brand's slogan of "Innovation that Excites," the Nissan LEAF will be making its South African debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October 2013, going on sale to the public at the same time. Having sold over 75,000 units worldwide since its international launch in 2010, the South African launch will pave the way for other EVs to enter the market in the future.

Managing Director of Nissan South Africa, Mike Whitfield, comments: "The launch of the Nissan LEAF in South Africa will be a ground-breaking event this year as it brings about the dawn of a new era of motoring. Nissan is the first brand to explore EV retail in South Africa and we are extremely proud to be able to say 'we were first'."

The Nissan LEAF has already been impressing South Africans in pilot programs with Eskom – the national electricity supplier – the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the outcome of the programs paving the way forward for the development of the entire new EV industry in South Africa.

With benefits including zero emissions, silent and smooth operation with new driving sensations, home-charging convenience and an advantage in running costs over vehicles with combustion engines, the Nissan LEAF's launch in South Africa rings true to the LEAF being the only globally-accepted, mass-produced EV.

"After initially announcing that the Nissan LEAF would grace South African roads at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show, we are now even more excited to be able to bring full EV mobility to the South African public with a holistic approach," concludes Whitfield. "This award-winning car will set a new tone for personal mobility in the country and we are honoured that Nissan is the first name on the list of EV manufacturers in South Africa."

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 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/

About Nissan in South Africa
Nissan South Africa is the operational hub for Regional Business Unit South, serving Nissan's key South Africa market and 42 other countries in Sub Saharan Africa, including Angola, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria. The company offers a range of locally-produced and imported vehicles in these markets. Employing nearly 2000 people, its Rosslyn plant manufactures light commercial vehicles which include the NP200 half-ton pickup and NP300 one-ton Hardbody. It also produces the Livina and Sandero passenger vehicles, the latter for Alliance partner Renault. Nissan South Africa is one of the top three automotive companies in South Africa. In fiscal 2012 the company sold 50 542 vehicles.

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Media contacts:

Dudu Mwelase
General Manager: Corporate Communications
Tel: (012) 529 8879
Mobile: 082 563 7331
Email: dudum@nissan.co.za

Veralda Schmidt
Media Relations Manager
Tel: (012) 529 5680
Mobile: 082 820 8562
Email: veraldas@nissan.co.za

Thabo Smouse
Product Communications Officer
Tel: (012) 529 6905
Mobile: 073 139 4381
Email: thabos@nissan.co.za

Issued by:
Nissan South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Communications
Reg No 1963/007428/07
P O Box 911-010, Rosslyn, 0200
South Africa
www.nissan.co.za