Nissan Supports Plan to Significantly Increase Fuel Efficiency in U.S. by 2025

FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan Americas today announced its support for the U.S. government's proposal to set new nationwide greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks between MY2017 and MY2025.

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The Obama Administration has committed to continuing on the path of a harmonized national greenhouse gas and fuel-economy program for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Nissan endorses this "one national program" approach as essential to future technical innovations across the automotive industry.  

The rigorous new greenhouse gas targets call for a 5 percent year-over-year improvement in CO2 reduction for passenger cars and 3.5 percent year-over-year improvement for light trucks from MY2017-MY2021 as an estimated industry average. After MY2021, the proposal calls for a 5 percent annual increase for both passenger cars and light trucks through MY2025. Nissan has committed to working with the administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation and the California Air Resources Board as they solidify the details surrounding the aggressive targets.

"The Obama administration has issued some extremely challenging greenhouse gas reduction and fuel economy improvement targets, but Nissan is a company built on innovation and we're up to the task," said Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration and Finance, Nissan Americas. "Nissan's recent product introductions – including the all-electric Nissan LEAF, the Infiniti M Hybrid and improvements to internal-combustion technology – demonstrate our multifaceted approach to meeting consumer demand for increased fuel economy across our product lineup and to achieving these rigorous targets. We're looking forward to helping achieve the Administration's goals under one national standard, which supports long-term planning and technology development."

Nissan introduced the LEAF – the world's first and only 100-percent electric car for the mass market – in December 2010 and since has sold more than 4,000 units in the United States. Nissan recently announced the introduction of new markets, including Washington D.C., to the LEAF's rollout schedule. The LEAF has achieved a fuel-economy rating of 99 mpg combined city/highway. Starting with the 2013 model year, Nissan will be building the Nissan LEAF and the lithium-ion batteries that power it in the United States, at its manufacturing facilities in Smyrna, Tenn., while the electric motors will be built at Nissan's Decherd, Tenn., engine plant.

The Infiniti brand recently introduced a hybrid system on the Infiniti M luxury sedan, which allows it to produce V-8 power with 4-cylinder fuel economy. The Infiniti M Hybrid is the only car sold in the U.S. with more than 350 hp and an EPA rating greater than 30 mpg, achieving 32 mpg on the highway cycle. This technology was developed specifically to be compatible with other models across the line-up.

Debuting on the 2012 Versa sedan, Nissan also is launching its "Pure Drive" initiative, which showcases Nissan's continuing commitment to development of environment-friendly technology through improved fuel economy on internal combustion engine vehicles. The Versa Sedan employs a dual fuel injector system, the next-generation continuously variable transmission, and other advanced technologies. The "Pure Drive" designation and technology will spread to other vehicles in the Nissan lineup as well.

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award. For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

SOURCE Nissan Americas