Linschoten Crowned Europe's Most EV Friendly Town

• Linschoten, winner of Nissan's The Big Turn On campaign, crowned most 'switched on' town in Europe
• Nissan donates Quick Chargers to Linschoten to mark the victory
• The Big Turn On: a 100-day, mass digital movement promoting 100% electric driving

ROLLE, Switzerland – Today the Dutch town of Linschoten has been named the most 'switched on' in Europe, after receiving the greatest number of pledges of support for electric driving of any town or city in Europe during Nissan's campaign, The Big Turn On.

To mark the victory, Nissan is donating a number of its revolutionary Quick Chargers, which allow owners of vehicles compliant with the international CHAdeMO charging standard to recharge the battery to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.

The Big Turn On was designed to encourage consumers from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK to consider the benefits of zero-emission driving, and to promote the Nissan LEAF as a safe, environmentally friendly and economical vehicle- with the range between charges being easily sufficient for the vast majority of daily trips.

The initial plan was to get one million people to click the 'Turn On' button (on The Big Turn On website, or via social media channels) within 100 days - but the campaign so captured the public imagination that Nissan hit this target 16 days ahead of schedule, on 21st June 2012.

The CHAdeMO standard Quick Chargers donated to Linschoten are among 400 that Nissan plans to donate to cities across Europe by the end of FY2012 to speed up infrastructure development. The first Nissan Quick Chargers have already been installed in the Netherlands and France.

About The Big Turn On
The Big Turn On is a 100-day campaign to demonstrate the benefits of electric vehicles, and to bust the myths that surround them through online influencers, owners, and celebrities. The influencers compete to turn the most people on to electric driving for their city, and the top influencer in each country can win a Nissan LEAF. The most turned on city after the 100 days will win 30 Nissan-designed Quick Chargers, capable of replenishing a Nissan LEAF battery to 80% charge in 30 minutes or less. The campaign is based online with outlets on YouTube, Facebook and the online hub at http://www.the-big-turn-on.com/

About the Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF was the first mass produced EV winning the European, World and Japanese car of the year 2011. More than 32,000 units have been sold globally since its introduction in December 2010, making Nissan LEAF the world's highest selling electric vehicle. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. Recharging from empty to 100% takes eight hours with a normal charger and just 30 minutes from empty to 80% using a quick charger in optimal conditions. Nissan LEAF has been awarded five stars in the tough Euro NCAP tests, making it one of the safest cars on the road. Nissan LEAF comes fully equipped with air conditioning, satellite navigation, and rear-view parking camera. European production of the Nissan LEAF will start at Sunderland in early 2013.

About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year, Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 528,000 vehicles- including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Japanese brand in Europe.

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