Renault-Nissan Alliance signs zero-emission partnership in Vancouver
VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Renault–Nissan Alliance, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and BC Hydro have announced a partnership that will see British Columbia become the initial launch point for Nissan's Canadian zero-emission transportation program.
British Columbia is scheduled to be the first Canadian province to receive the Nissan LEAF, Nissan's first all-electric real-world car, in 2011, in advance of global distribution in 2012.
"Agreements like this one with the Renault–Nissan Alliance are an important step in making climate-friendly transportation a lifestyle choice for all British Columbians," said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Province of British Columbia. "Electric vehicles, fuelled by clean, renewable energy resources, will help us achieve a low carbon transportation future."
The memorandum of understanding brings together representatives from each organization to identify opportunities to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles in Vancouver and other areas in B.C. Discussions will also explore the establishment of charging infrastructure in Vancouver.
"Today is an exciting day for Nissan Canada as we announce an important step in making electric vehicles a reality in the Canadian market," said Mark Grimm, President of Nissan Canada Inc. "We have the technology for zero-emission mobility without compromise and working with important partners like those signing this agreement is a critical step in this evolution."
"Moving towards a zero-emission mobility program gets Vancouver closer to our goal of becoming the world's greenest city," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "We've moved very aggressively to bring in electric vehicle charging infrastructure regulations for Vancouver that is a first for North America.
"The City will need electric vehicles to charge on that new infrastructure. We are very pleased to be the first Canadian municipal partner of Nissan, a global leader in electric-vehicle technologies."
The agreement also supports an application to the federal government's Clean Energy Fund for a charging infrastructure pilot program planned by the Province, BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver.
"We continue to work with industry and government partners to ensure British Columbia is ready for the introduction of electric vehicles," said Bob Elton, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "We are building a conservation culture in B.C. which includes not only the efficient use of electricity but also the protection of air quality."
The agreement adds B.C. to a growing network of zero-emission vehicle initiatives across the world. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has formed partnerships with 30 governments, cities and other organizations to advance the deployment of electric vehicles worldwide.
For more information, visit:
Images of LEAF can be found at www.media.nissan.ca.
LEAF B-Roll is available upon request.
Didier Marsaud
Nissan Canada Inc.
Phone: 905 629 6400
Email: didier.marsaud@nissancanada.com
Heather Meehan
Nissan Canada Inc.
Phone: 647 259 3268
Email: heather.meehan@cohnwolfe.ca
Simi Heer
BC Hydro
Phone: 604 623 3963
Email: simi.heer@bchydro.com
Corporate Communications
City of Vancouver
Phone: 604 871 6336
Jake Jacobs
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Phone: 250 952 0628
Email: jake.jacobs@gov.bc.ca