Good morning. Thank you Paul for that summary of where Nissan is today.
As Paul said, 2011 was a very successful year for Nissan globally and in Europe.
At Nissan though, we are always looking to the future. The three cars sharing the podium with me today are testament to that.
Before we take the wraps off these two let's talk about this, our latest zero emission vehicle.
Thanks to the Nissan LEAF, we remain the only manufacturer to have a mass produced electric vehicle on the road in America, Europe and Asia. We've now delivered over 25,000 LEAFs globally.
The LEAF has been on sale in Japan, the US and Europe for over a year - and its roll-out in Europe will continue at full speed during 2012.
We will build LEAF in Europe. We are already manufacturing batteries in Sunderland and the vehicle itself will be produced in 2013.
Next to me is our second EV; the e-NV200 Concept. This model is going to be launched in passenger and LCV versions, bringing zero emission transport to even more people.
This EV is based on the multi-award winning NV200, soon to be a familiar sight on the streets of New York, having been chosen as the next New York City taxi. One of the reasons? Its zero emission potential.
Now it's time to reveal two exciting new concepts.
Two cars that - like the other Nissan cars you can see here - demonstrate our focus on delivering innovation and excitement to everyone.
We are already world leaders in the crossover segment. We created Murano, then Qashqai and then Juke.
It is only natural that we would explore ways to extend that leadership.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Hi-CROSS concept.
The Hi-Cross Concept HEV is our vision for a new generation of crossover. It's a high-riding crossover - hence the name.
Despite its modest proportions, it is extremely space-efficient. Inside are three rows of seats with room for seven passengers.
The ingenious hybrid drivetrain is based on new technology derived from our front wheel drive models, and modified here for four-wheel drive.
The Hi-Cross makes extensive use of battery technology from the Nissan LEAF. Its compact lithium ion battery is fast charging and high output. It is coupled to a 2.0 litre supercharged direct injection petrol engine.
Meanwhile, the Hi-Cross's innovative 'One-motor, two-clutch' technology is linked to our latest XTRONIC CVT, for even better fuel economy.
In short, the Hi-Cross offers you the performance potential of a 2.5 litre with the fuel economy and emissions of a much smaller car.
So you can see that the "Hi" in Hi-Cross doesn't just mean high-riding. It means high technology that's eco-friendly; it means high value; and it means high excitement.
Now our second world premier.... the Nissan INVITATION concept.
This is a head-turning hatchback and is the inspiration for a new mainstream compact car that I can announce today will be launched in Europe in 2013.
INVITATION is a great name. A seductive invitation to buyers looking for dynamic design, clever packaging and engaging performance.
It is innovation and excitement for the mainstream compact car segment.
A huge amount of thought has gone into making the car's cabin both comfortable and practical. It is refreshingly open, yet it is packed with Nissan technology.
This car promises some of the most advanced technology ever seen in a B-segment vehicle.
To give just one example, our Around View Monitor safety system reduces the stress of reversing and parallel parking. This will be the first time such technology has been used in B-segment car.
INVITATION carries the Nissan Safety Shield system. This interacts with your environment to keep you aware of what's happening around your car.
And - no less than you would expect from the makers of Zero Emission and PURE DRIVE technology- the INVITATION achieves class-leading levels of fuel efficiency and emissions.
That's thanks to advanced engine technology, our acclaimed lightweight platform and this aerodynamically efficient body.
And now to my final announcement. I'm happy to confirm today that the production version of the Invitation concept will be built at our Sunderland Plant in the UK, starting from the middle of next year. This is great news for our continued growth within Europe. It will create 400 new jobs at the plant and an estimated 1600 jobs within the supply chain. I'm delighted that UK Secretary of State for Business - Vince Cable - is with us here today.
This project has received important financial backing from the UK Government and I would personally like to thank him for the ongoing support Nissan receives in the UK.
So there you have it, three exciting new cars - one innovative crossover, one next generation EV and a mainstream compact that will be produced in Europe for European customers.
Three cars; three good reasons why Nissan is the brand to watch in Europe and everywhere else.