LEAF leading Nissan’s drive
THE Nissan LEAF continues to be the number one car of choice for a growing number of Irish motorists who are making the switch to electric driving.
Newly-released vehicle statistics announced have revealed that the Nissan LEAF was the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in Ireland over the first three months of 2021. 445 motorists have bought a new Nissan LEAF so far this year. They are amongst the 5,651 motorists who now drive the car in Ireland, reinforcing the car’s position as Ireland and Europe’s favourite EV.
‘We are delighted that the Nissan LEAF continues to be the number one selling EV in Ireland, a position that it has made its own since we launched the car over a decade ago,’ said Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland.
‘It is clear that the growing number of motorists who are now making the switch to EV driving value Nissan’s expertise as EV leaders and that they also recognise the Nissan LEAF as the best EV on the market,’ he added.
New car buyers switching into the Nissan LEAF have also been attracted by Nissan’s ‘Power of Zero’ initiative which includes 0% finance, the free provision and installation of their home charger and one year’s free servicing.
‘We are pleased to announce that Nissan is extending its ‘Power of Zero’ offer to help even more motorists to take the road to a sustainable, greener future
and to make significant savings as new EV drivers,” said Mr. Morgan.
The switch to EV driving is gathering pace in Ireland with electric vehicles now accounting for 5.87% of the market.
2,831 new EV have been registered so far this year. This compares to 1,650 over the same period in 2020 and to 1,435 in 2019 when motoring business were fully operational. EV sales have increased by a massive 71.58% over the same period last year.
‘Nissan has been driving the change to EV driving for more than a decade. Ireland has now moved past the ‘early adopter’ stage and car buyers visiting Nissan dealerships nationwide are certainly thinking EV first,’ said Mr. Morgan.
‘Our customers include a mix of families who have decided to switch from two cars to one electric car, those who have decided to make their second car an EV and first-time buyers who prioritise sustainable, green living,’ he added.
The entry grade Nissan LEAF XE 40 kWh, which has a range of up to 270 kilometres, starts at €27,595, while the top of the range Nissan LEAF SVE 62 kWh costs €38,657 or €579.85 per month. The entry grade vehicle is especially popular with young families.
Nissan recently unveiled the all-new, third generation Qashqai, reinforcing its position as the leader in the European crossover segment..
For this latest generation, Nissan has retained the guiding principles that have driven the concept, design and development of the two previous generations of Qashqai: elegant design, enhanced packaging and efficient powertrain, combined with elevated quality and a driving experience from a higher segment. Thanks to the new Alliance CMF-C platform, a showcase of advanced engineering, innovation and advanced technology, the new Qashqai will again raise the bar in the crossover segment and customers will savour those attributes.
Although unmistakably Qashqai in its styling, the third generation is more muscular, sharp and modern.
The 12V mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [Xtronic only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km).