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.

Volkswagen Golf Blue-E-Motion Concept

Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf blue-e-motion concept car in a ceremonial presentation today for the German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel.

The Golf blue-e-motion concept car is powered by an electric motor integrated in the engine compartment in front that delivers a total of 113 HP. The car has an autonomy of 150 kilometers and can hit a top speed of 86 mph, while the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 11.8 seconds. The concept car will be undergoing tests in all conceivable weather conditions next year with the use of 500 test cars.

That electric engine is able to develop a maximum power of 85 kW, that means 115 horsepower, but the maximum torques is bigger, of 270 Nm which is obtained almost instantaneously. The engine is powered by a package of litiu-ion batteries placed centrally under the back seat and in the trunk, like this it’s capacity goes from 350 liters to 237 liters. Power comes from a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 26.5 kilowatt-hours.


Press Release

Initial Facts: Golf blue-e-motion - Presentation at Foundation Event
for a "National Platform for Electric Mobility"

• Volkswagen Presents Golf blue-e-motion Concept to German Chancellor

• Golf powered by zero-emissions electric motor to launch in 2013

• Golf blue-e-motion with 150 km range will also satisfy driving needs
  of commuters

Wolfsburg / Berlin, 03 May 2010 - Today, German Chancellor Dr. Angela
Merkel will have a close look at a concept of the future Golf blue-e-motion
in Berlin. Volkswagen is forging new links to the era of electric mobility
with this pure electric drive version of the most successful European car
ever produced. In 2013, after the debut of the Up blue-e-motion (a new city
specialist), the Golf blue-e-motion and the technically closely-related
Jetta blue-e-motion will launch on the market. In the same timeframe, the
Lavida blue-e-motion will also launch in China. The stated objective:
Volkswagen wants to use bestsellers such as the Golf to take electric
vehicles out of their niche model status and to become the market leader for
a new type of sustainable mobility by 2018. This strategy coincides with
planning by the German federal government, which would like to see about one
million electric vehicles on the streets by 2020.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of
Volkswagen AG: "Future electric cars give us enormous opportunities for
reshaping mobility to be even more sustainable. When it comes to the
environment, however, we must ensure that the energy used to operate these
electric cars is produced from renewable sources. Since automotive
manufacturers do not have any influence on the types of power plants that
are built, the federal government must ensure that eco-friendly energy
sources are utilised. Only then will we experience a genuine transition to a
new era."

In parallel with the electric vehicle offensive, Volkswagen is
accelerating the introduction of new hybrid models as well. The new Touareg
Hybrid is already on the market; in 2012 a hybrid version of the Jetta will
debut, then in 2013 the Golf Hybrid and Passat Hybrid will launch. Just as
methodically, Volkswagen will continue its development work on advanced and
extremely efficient petrol, diesel and natural gas engines (TDI, TSI,
EcoFuel), because it is an indisputable fact that a wide variety of drive
technologies will coexist far into the future. "This makes it all the more
important for the German federal government to proactively support the
introduction of new technologies. With regard to electric mobility, the
current temporary exemption of E-cars from taxes is inadequate," says Prof.
Dr. Winterkorn. The Volkswagen chief continues: "Starting in 2013 - the
launch year for many new electric vehicles - the purchase of cars with
zero-emissions drive systems should be promoted with a sustainability
incentive. France, for example, has already pledged a cash incentive of
several thousand Euros to buyers. We need to send such a signal in Germany
as well. Moreover, and this is no less important, the German federal
government must very quickly make provisions for broad coverage with a
network of recharging stations across the republic, so that the
infrastructure is available at the same time the electric car offensive is
launched. Each new recharging station will also reinforce the public's trust
in the everyday utility of electric vehicles. Both of these components -
state-funded incentives and infrastructure - are crucial and cannot endure
any delay."

Golf blue-e-motion concept car - highly anticipated

The Golf blue-e-motion concept being presented to German Chancellor
Angela Merkel will be powered by an electric motor integrated in the engine
compartment in front, and its power of 85 kW / 115 PS drives the car
silently. Like all electric motors, the motor used in the Golf also outputs
a very high maximum torque (270 Newton-meter) right from a stop. The result:
more fun in zero-emissions driving. The electricity for driving the electric
motor is stored in a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 26.5
kilowatt-hours.

A driving range of up to 150 kilometres can be realised in the Golf
blue-e-motion; the specific range depends on driving style and factors such
as use of the air conditioning and heating system. This range meets the
needs of most German commuters: According to the German Federal Statistical
Office, 6 of every 10 people in the workforce commute by car - on average
45.8 percent drive less than 10 kilometres (one-way commute), another 28.1
percent between 10 and 25 kilometres and 16.2 percent over 25 kilometres.
The Golf blue-e-motion can also handle the driving ranges typically covered
by many service providers. In short-distance driving, the zero-emissions
Golf offers a sustainable solution to private users as well.

More noticeably than on today's modern petrol or diesel engines, the
maximum range of an electric car is severely reduced when its maximum power
is demanded frequently. However, the Golf blue-e-motion - with its top speed
of 140 km/h - provides ample power reserves so that less energy is consumed
while driving, and it can even coast or "sail". "Sailing" occurs whenever
the driver - adopting an anticipatory style of driving - releases the gas
pedal, or more apropos: the electric pedal. As in the drive system of the
Touareg Hybrid, which is being produced today, the motor is then is
disengaged from the drivetrain so that the car can coast with the least
possible drag. The Golf blue-e-motion even recovers kinetically generated
energy by battery regeneration in this mode of driving.

Adapted to the vehicle's architecture, the concept car's battery unit is
located in the bootspace (useful remaining cargo capacity: 237 litres),
under the rear bench seat and in the centre tunnel (between the front
seats). A separate air cooling system ensures a constant thermal environment
in the battery compartment.

As mentioned, all key primary and secondary drive components were
integrated in the engine compartment at the front of the vehicle. In coming
up with this design, developers applied experience they gained in numerous
design studies. As in the E-Up concept car, an integral form of electric
drive is used in the Golf blue-e-motion. Representing the core of the
integral drive are the electric motor together with a transmission and
differential. Energy management is handled by a high-voltage
pulse-controlled inverter, which - along with the 12 Volt electrical
system's DC/DC converter and charging module - is integrated in the compact
integral drive. The entire unit is relatively light and compact. The
five-door and five-seat Golf blue-e-motion, for example, weighs just 205
kilograms more than a comparable Golf BlueMotion TDI with DSG - despite the
fact that electric car batteries are known to be heavy and weigh 1,545
kilograms on the concept car.

Next year, Volkswagen will be testing the drivetrain and energy storage
modules of the future Golf blue-e-motion with a fleet of 500 test cars -
under all conceivable conditions. Essentially, the countdown to production
launch of the future Golf blue-e-motion has already begun. The future is
almost here, especially in Germany, because this is where one million
electric vehicles will be on the roads starting in 2020 - this goal was
resolved by the German federal government on August 2009 and is established
in the "National Development Plan for Electric Mobility." A long road lies
ahead of us until 2020, especially since battery costs certainly need to be
drastically reduced. However, another certainty is that a large number of
the one million electric vehicles of the year 2020 will wear the VW badge.

Golf blue-e-motion Concept Car – Technical Data
Dimensions
Length	4,199 mm
Width	1,786 mm
Height	1,480 mm
Wheelbase	2,575 mm
Drive System
Drive type	Electric motor
Power (max. / continuous)	85 kW / 50 kW
Max. torque	270 Nm
Transmission / Tyres
Transmission	EQ 210 (1-gear transmission)
Final drive type	Front-wheel drive
Tyre size	205/55 R16
Driving Performance
0-100 km/h	11.8 s
Top speed	140 km/h
CO2 emissions with electricity generated from renewable sources	Negligible

Beijing _ 2010 BMW Concept Gran Coupe

BMW unveiled the Concept Gran Coupe today at the Beijing Auto Show, China. the all-new 2010 BMW Concept Gran Coupe has been revealed, finally confirming BMW’s intention to enter the burgeoning four-door coupe market.

The four-door includes a variety of distinct features like the vaulted hood with forward-facing lines, a longer wheelbase, coupe-style roofline and short front overhang. BMW describes the intent of the concept: “the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future.”

At 1.4-meters high, the car is 10-cm shorter in height than the 5er and 7er sedan. Current rumors suggest that the car is already approved for production and will be marketed as the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, a car which BMW does not directly compete against at this time.

According to BMW sources, the car is headed for production in 2012 and will be built on the same platform that underpins the 5-Series, 7-Series and the 5-Series Gran Turismo. The production model will be offered with the same mix of 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines as those models.





Press Release

Elegance and dynamic performance at the first BMW Design Night in Beijing.

Munich. With an exclusive Design Night on the evening of the first press day at Auto China in Beijing (April 23rd to May 2nd 2010), BMW provides an in-depth insight into its design philosophy and development strategy. The program of the BMW Design Night is modular in structure and presents extensive background information on the premium automobile manufacturer's innovative design culture. In addition to highlighting the long versions of the BMW 5 Series developed specially for the Chinese market, the main focus is on an elegant 4-door vehicle with striking dynamic proportions: the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

The concept study on display symbolises the outstanding design expertise of BMW. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé concentrates the fundamental values of the brand. Its body design authentically captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance. The shaping style, which follows a coherent pattern down to the last detail, convincingly visualises BMW's philosophy as an automobile manufacturer. As with the Concept CS 2007, BMW once again sets new benchmarks in the design of 4-door coupes with a distinctive sporty character.

Based on a powerful tradition in this segment, the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future. The concept shows the classic features of all BMW coupes: the long wheelbase, the vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, the set-back greenhouse, the flat silhouette, the coupe-style roof line and the short front overhang reflect the dynamic potential of the vehicle. The surface structures and the fact that the design quality is geared towards perfection illustrate the aspiration of the brand BMW to build 4-door high-performance coupes with the sportiest proportions and the most elegant design.

In the BMW Concept Gran Coupé, BMW presents the vision of a 4-door vehicle which combines the exclusivity of a Gran Turismo with the fascination of a high-performance sports car. The design of the concept study underscores the expertise of the brand BMW in the development of vehicles with a distinctive sporty character which offer space for more than two occupants. This reflects the particular quality of the BMW Group design philosophy, which consists in precisely and authentically translating the specific values of product substance into an aesthetically convincing shaping style. The design process is set through with a passion for aesthetic appeal and dynamic performance, precision and perfection. This is how the uncompromising premium aspiration of a BMW Group product, the unmistakable style of the brand BMW and the precisely defined character of each model are given concrete form.

The body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé expresses sporty flair in its ultimate form. The 4-door vehicle clearly signals the very highest level of dynamic performance with its extremely elegant, flat and coupe-like proportions. Stretching the entire length of the vehicle and therefore measuring almost 5 metres, flowing lines dominate the design, giving rise to outstanding aerodynamic levels, just as the low centre of gravity reflects an agile driving response.

The front section is defined by the BMW kidney grille characteristic of the brand - an icon of body design which is not just central but also a dominating element of front design. The kidney grille of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé has a flat appearance, with an asymmetrical side view which emphasises the close attention to detail. The central section with the kidney grille is formally separated from other BMW icons such as the headlights and air inlets. The clarity of the LED front lights highlights the vehicle's precision and premium aspirations. The air inlet runs back an extremely long way into the side section, making the front section appear particularly wide. All elements of the front section appear to merge to form a single, elegantly curved movement.

The sporty, flat silhouette provides an impressive body height of just under 1.40 metres. This makes the BMW Concept Gran Coupé up to 100 millimetres flatter than the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 7 Series Sedan. The roof line tapers off gently into the rear, thereby elongating the vehicle's proportions. The forward-tilted shark nose visually extends the bonnet and creates characteristic BMW proportions with its forward-pointing dynamism. This stretched character is also highlighted by the side lines, where there is a deliberate avoidance of the typical sill line. The flat proportions make the window graphics appear extremely narrow and dynamic at the same time. Another BMW design icon, the Hofmeister kink, is especially strikingly formed - additionally emphasising the exclusive character of the vehicle. The frameless doors give the BMW Concept Gran Coupé a modern character since the glass surfaces appear to merge seamlessly without being interrupted by columns.

At the rear, only design elements such as the lights and tailpipe trim appear to be visible at first sight. The entire rear section appears slimmer and lighter at the centre, though still exuding power and dynamic performance since the volume is reinforced towards the sides. The L-shaped light banks feature a slight, almost subtle curve and the entire design of the lines and surfaces highlights the vehicle's elegant overall appearance. The third brake light, positioned in the rear window, is also fitted with LED technology. It takes up the kink in the roof and illuminates the entire width of the rear window. The powerfully flared wheel arches above the rear axle highlight the particularly sporty character of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

Another highly sporty and also elegant feature is the rim concept in which the individual spokes extend deep into the centre of the rim towards the hub, giving the rim a striking three-dimensional quality. The spokes themselves are not solid but relief-milled, giving them a visual lightness.

The sculptural shaping style characteristic of the entire body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé permits a unique interaction between concave and convex surfaces. It also enables the light to be selectively reflected and channelled. Thus the exterior mirrors integrated in the window shaft appear very light, blending harmoniously into the side view since their shape assimilates the entire line styling. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé is a further development of the classic design of a notchback sedan in which the individual body sections merge harmoniously into a flat, elongated and at the same time dynamic overall image. The effect of this 4-door vehicle derives not just from specific highlights but from its overall appearance, which authentically reflects its character. The car's dynamic potential is embodied in its proportions and lines, signalling power but also elegance and forward thrust.

2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle Pricing Releases

Nissan announced that its upcoming Leaf electric vehicle will sell for $32,780, plus $800 destination. A $7,500 federal tax credit for electric cars will bring the total cost down to $25,280. A three-year lease will be available for $349 a month.

Available in two trim levels, standard SV and uplevel SL, all Leaf SVs will come with navigation, remote start and remote charging operated through a smart phone app or laptop computer, LED headlamps, Bluetooth, Intelligent Key, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, six airbags, XM Satellite Radio and 3 years roadside assistance.

Part of the product package includes personal charging docks which work with normal 220-volt sockets. A charging dock should cost about US$2,200 but both the equipment and installation are eligible for a 50% federal tax credit of up to $2,000.

Starting April 20, interested customers who have signed up at nissanusa.com can put down a refundable $99 reservation fee. Official ordering doesn't start until August with deliveries scheduled to start in December. The Leaf goes on sale nationwide by the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN DELIVERS AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS FOR PURCHASE, LEASE OF
ALL-ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF

• As low as $25,280 ($32,780 MSRP minus up to $7,500 federal tax
  credit)
• Lease world's first mass-marketed EV for $349 per month

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the
2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or
lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in
2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF
April 20.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be
fully eligible, the consumer's after-tax net value of the vehicle will be
$25,280. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011
all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three
years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and
local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits
of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF - such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate
in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in
Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500
federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Nissan will be
able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state
or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan
LEAF.

"Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again.
Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating
zero emissions while driving," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president,
Sales and Marketing, NNA. "Nissan leads the industry by offering the first
affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is
in a class by itself."

The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of
standard features, including an advanced navigation system and
Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool
and charging control. Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED
headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials,
such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper
fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity;
Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio
capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle
dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The
SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features
including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic
headlights.

Reservations and Purchase

In order to ensure a one-stop-shop customer experience, Nissan is carefully
managing the purchase process from the first step, when consumers sign up on
NissanUSA.com, until the customer takes the Nissan LEAF home and plugs it
into a personal charging dock.

• Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people
  who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory
  period, to all interested consumers.

• Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is
  fully refundable.

• Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when
  Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to
  special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.

• Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide
  availability in 2011.

Charging Equipment

In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging
docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation.
Nissan is providing these home-charging stations, which will be built and
installed by AeroVironment, as part of a one-stop-shop process that includes
a home assessment.

• The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be
  $2,200.

• Charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal
  tax credit up to $2,000.

• Using current national electricity averages, Nissan LEAF will cost
  less than $3 to "fill up."

• Nissan LEAF also will be the sole vehicle available as part of The
  EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division
  of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and
  installation for up to 4,700 Nissan LEAF owners in those markets.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design,
engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing,
distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the
environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are
reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.
More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at
www.NissanUsa.com.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets
actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Chrysler to develop new Fiat 500 electric vehicle for U.S.

Chrysler announced today that it will build an all-electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. For those who don’t know the Fiat 500EV made its debut back in January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show and the manufacturer promises that the vehicle will demonstrate the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group and the Fiat Group.

The US edition will undergo further development at Chrysler hq in Auburn Hills, Michigan. "The alliance with Fiat presented new opportunities to merge Chrysler Group engineering knowledge with new platforms and the Fiat 500EV is an outstanding example of our efforts," said Chrysler engineering executive Scott Kunselman.

“The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology.” added the same Kunselman.

Pricing for the Fiat 500EV will be “competitive with similar electric vehicles in the market.” Most automakers have all-electric vehicles planned over the next few years.





Press Release

Chrysler Group LLC to Develop New Fiat 500 Electric Vehicle for the
United States

• New Fiat 500EV demonstrates benefits of Chrysler Group and Fiat
  Group alliance
• Zero-emission Fiat 500EV provides an environmentally friendly,
  clean, quiet driving experience freeing customers from escalating fuel
  costs and costly oil changes
• Department of Energy provides up to $48 million grant toward test
  fleet of 140 Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
• PHEV technology to improve fuel economy up to 65 percent with up to
  20 mile electric-only driving range

Chrysler Group LLC today announced its plans to engineer and produce a
pure electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. Shown earlier this year
at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV
demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group
and the Fiat Group as well as the speed at which the two companies can work
together on advanced vehicle programs.

"The alliance with Fiat presented new opportunities to merge Chrysler
Group engineering knowledge with new platforms and the Fiat 500EV is an
outstanding example of our efforts," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice
President Engineering-Chrysler Group LLC. "The Fiat 500 is a small,
lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology."

The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems; high power
electric powertrain module, advance lithium ion battery, and an EV control
unit to manage power flows. Beginning in 2012, Chrysler Group will
manufacture the Fiat 500EV for the United States market. All powertrain
engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group
headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Pricing will be announced closer to
launch, but will be competitive with similar electric vehicles in the
market.

Chrysler Group is the vehicle electrification center of competence for
both Chrysler Group and Fiat Group. The company is exploring ways to promote
zero-emission transportation and the development of an electric-vehicle
charging infrastructure through partnerships to be announced in the future.

Last year Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to build the
Fiat 500 with a combustion engine for North America. The vehicle will debut
in late 2010.

Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Chrysler Group has been selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant
of up to $48 million as part of a $2.4 billion American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act DOE Vehicle Electrification program. Chrysler Group is
planning to build a total of 140 Ram PHEVs for a three-year demonstration
project that includes various geographic and climatic locations across the
United States.

"This initiative represents how government, automotive industry,
suppliers and key partners are reaching common goals and demonstrates how
rapidly this type of advanced technology can be brought to market," said
Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President-Powertrain, Chrysler Group LLC.
"DOE-support for domestic advanced technology is an important enabler for
Chrysler Group and its key suppliers in order to understand and test
customer acceptance and the capability of PHEV systems in a variety of
real-world conditions."

The Ram PHEV features Chrysler Group's 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with a two mode
hybrid transmission and a 12KwHr lithium ion battery. The vehicle is capable
of up to 20 miles of zero-emission, pure-electric range without the need for
gasoline. An overall fuel economy improvement more than 65 percent is
expected for average drive cycles. Chrysler Group has partnered with
Electrovaya Inc. to supply the advanced lithium Ion batteries for the Ram
PHEV test fleet.

The DOE grant will expedite the development of vehicle-electrification
technology. More than 21 Chrysler Group partners across the U.S., including
utility companies, government agencies and Universities will independently
test the Ram PHEV and provide valuable data for the advancement of the
technology.

In 2008, Chrysler Group announced the company's intention to bring a Ram
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to market. After closely evaluating the
response to hybrid pickups in the marketplace, the company could not
formulate an appropriate business case and has decided to cancel development
work on the 2011 Ram HEV.

Chrysler Group's alliance with Fiat Group brings new platforms and
technologies that allow the company to create an improved long-term product
strategy with greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Chrysler
Group's five-year plan has an uncompromising product schedule, including a
progressive vehicle electrification strategy.

Nissan to Build LEAF Electric Vehicle in UK

Nissan will start taking reservations for the Leaf electric vehicle in April, start building them by October and have the first of them rolling into driveways in December.

The Nissan Leaf and the plug-in Chevy Volt are supposed to hit U.S. dealerships late this year. They're the first wave of mass production electric cars. Mark Perry, who directs product planning for Nissan North America, says new owners will have no trouble finding a power station. "So the concern, 'If I use this vehicle or purchase this vehicle, can I get charging?' that's going to be a very easy answer here."

The Nissan Leaf all-electric vehicle goes on sale in late 2010.






Press Release

NISSAN TO BUILD LEAF ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN SUNDERLAND

UK to become third global manufacturing location for Nissan electric
vehicles

• Production to begin in early 2013


• Initial annual production capacity in Sunderland of about 50,000
  units


• Together with Sunderland battery plant production, represents more
  than a 420 million GBP (468.2 million euro) investment in zero emission
  mobility

SUNDERLAND, UK (March 18, 2010) -Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., further
underlined its commitment to zero emission leadership today by announcing
that the Nissan LEAF will be manufactured at its plant in Sunderland, UK.

Nissan LEAF - the first in a range of forthcoming Nissan electric
vehicles (EVs) - is the world's first affordable, mass produced zero
emission car and embodies Nissan's vision for an environmentally sustainable
future for road transport.

Nissan also said that construction of its advanced lithium-ion battery
plant, announced last year, will begin this April. The facility, which will
be located at Sunderland, will have a production capacity of 60,000 units a
year and will start manufacturing batteries in 2012 for both Nissan and its
Alliance partner Renault.

The production of Nissan LEAF and the batteries represents a total
investment of more than 420 million GBP (468.2 million euros) in the
Sunderland Plant and is expected to maintain about 2,250 jobs at Nissan and
across the UK supply chain. The investment will be supported by a 20.7
million GBP (23.1 million euros) Grant for Business Investment (GBI) from
the UK Government and a proposed finance package from the European
Investment Bank of up to 220 million euros (197.3 million GBP).

The UK's Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "This investment is a
fantastic vote of confidence in the Sunderland plant and its excellent
workforce. The automotive sector is of key importance to the UK. It supports
R&D, technological innovation, skills and a supply chain that's a mainstay
of the wider manufacturing sector.

"Today's news from Nissan, with support from government, shows that by
working together we can achieve our aim of making the UK a world-leader in
ultra-low carbon vehicles."

Andy Palmer, senior vice president at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and
responsible for the company's global EV strategy, said: "The world is at the
dawn of a new era in automotive transport. Nissan LEAF, which will go on
sale later this year, is a five-seater hatchback that offers the same space,
practicality and performance of a similar car in its class - minus the
tailpipe emissions."

"Thanks to the UK's firm commitment to a low carbon future in terms of
infrastructure, customer incentives and educational programmes, Nissan LEAF
will be built at Sunderland, making the UK the third country in the world to
produce this revolutionary car."

Production of Nissan LEAF will begin in Oppama, Japan later this year
followed by Smyrna, Tennessee, USA in 2012. Sunderland will come on-line in
early 2013 with an initial annual production capacity of about 50,000 units.
The three production sites will support the sales launch of the model, which
begins in late 2010 in Japan, the United States and selected European
markets, ahead of global mass marketing from 2012.

Nissan and its Alliance partner Renault are the only automakers committed
to mass marketing pure electric vehicles on a global scale and together have
announced production capacity of 500,000 units per year. To date, the
Alliance has entered into more than 50 partnerships worldwide with
countries, cities, organisations and other key stakeholders to prepare the
markets and infrastructure for the successful adoption of EVs around the
world.

Work to integrate Nissan LEAF into Sunderland's manufacturing process
will begin in 2012. The car will be launched on the plant's ‘Number 2'
production line alongside the recently unveiled Juke compact crossover car,
which enters production in August 2010.

Nissan will continue to work in partnership with local and national
government in preparation for the UK sales launch of Nissan LEAF in early
2011.

Last December, Nissan and Regional Development Agency One North East
signed a definitive agreement on zero emission mobility. The agreement
includes the development of a regional network of charging points, supply of
Nissan LEAF to the region from early 2011 and a range of incentives for
early adopters of EVs, such as a period of free charging and use of
dedicated EV lanes.

Although zero-emission vehicles are the centerpiece of Nissan's product
strategy, the company is also investing in a portfolio of low-emission
technologies (called PureDrive) such as clean diesels, efficient
internal-combustion engines and hybrids.

###

Note: Amounts in euros and pounds are translated for the convenience of
the reader at the foreign exchange rate of 1.115 euro/pound and 0.897
pound/euro (as of Wednesday March 17, 2010)

NISSAN LEAF at a glance:

• World's first affordable, mass produced zero emission car


• Five-seater C-segment hatchback


• Powered by an 80kW electric motor


• Charges to 80% of capacity in under 30 minutes (rapid charging)


• Real-world range: 160 km (100 miles - US-LA 4 mode)


• Top speed of more than 140 km/h (90 mph)


• Produced on all-new dedicated EV platform

Sunderland Plant facts:

• Established in 1984 (start of production 1986)


• Total investment in plant to date: 2.68 billion GBP (2.99 billion
  euros)


• Total volume since start of production: 5.6 million units


• Total 2009 volume: 338,000 units


• Current workforce: 4,100 employees


• UK's largest car producer and exporter


• Produced a third of all cars built in the UK in 2009


• Current model line-up: Qashqai, Qashqai +2, Note and Micra