Skip to main content

Nissan Leaf Gets Top Award in Europe

In the United States, the Nissan Leaf has been edged out for major awards by the Chevrolet Volt from publications like Automobile Magazine and Motor Trend, even though the Leaf is a pure-electric car while the Volt is a next-generation hybrid.

AutoExpress.com in the United Kingdom has announced that the Nissan Leaf has been named European Car of the Year while receiving scant praise here in the United States. The electric car beat out non-electric competition from throughout Europe, including Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Vauxhall Meriva, Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, the Citroen C3 and DS3 , the Volvo S60 and V60 and the Dacia Duster.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the 100-percent electric Nissan Leaf “best” in the midsize vehicle class for fuel efficiency, “best” for the environment and best-in-class for the environment based on emitting zero greenhouse gases or other traditional tailpipe emissions. It also gets a best-in-class 99 miles-per-gallon (MPG) equivalent (combined city/highway).

The Volvo S60 and V60 are already sold in the United States. The Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max are slated to come here in 2011.

According to Auto Express, the competition has been run since 1964. 59 jury members from 23 European countries voted in this year’s competition. Each country gets allotted a number of jurors which takes into account that countries car market share and car industry.

Automotive News