Nissan-Renault lands in Monaco with EVs too

Nissan will be joining Mitsubishi in providing electric vehicles the sunny principality of Monaco. The Nissan-Renault alliance and officials of the Riviera enclave have signed a deal that will see the automakers supplying battery-powered vehicles by 2011. Over the next couple of years the existing EV charging network will also grow from 176 to at least 300 stations. The new deal is an expansion of a feasibility study begun last November. Monaco will also mandate that at least half of all public vehicle purchases will be of the zero emissions variety. The Monaco government will also evaluate special parking spaces and rates for EVs in the tiny, 0.76 sq mile country.

[Source: Nissan]

March 26, 2009

MONACO AND RENAULT-NISSAN ALLIANCE IMPLEMENT ZERO EMISSION MOBILITY FOR 2011

Monaco (March. 26, 2009)-The Principality of Monaco and the Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced a comprehensive partnership to deliver zero emission mobility to the Principality from 2011. The plan will utilize electric vehicles including the ones supplied by the Alliance, and will leverage an extensive charging network that will be built across the Principality over the next two years.

In November, the Principality of Monaco established a partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance to explore zero emission mobility. The goal was to address concerns such as global warming, dependence on oil and sustainable mobility. After four months of discussion and analysis, Monaco today became the second European country to sign a final agreement with the Alliance for implementing a zero emission mobility program.

"Sustainable mobility goes beyond the car itself," said Eric Nicolas, senior vice president of Nissan International SA. "It requires extensive collaboration with governments and other partners to ensure success."

The plan calls for an extension of the existing charging network from 176 to 300 stations by 2011, in addition to 3 quick charge stations. Monaco will also maintain incentives to electric vehicle purchasers.

The Government of Monaco is also mandating that 50% of public fleet vehicle purchases be zero-emission, as early as 2011.

Additional measures, such as EV dedicated parking spaces, preferential access and special rates for EV parking are being studied further. Public awareness and educational activities, including electric vehicle demonstrations during Monaco's major events such as the F1 Grand Prix, are under study

The measures were announced during the opening ceremony of Ever Monaco, the International Conference and Exhibition on Ecological Vehicles and Renewable Energies. Nissan's electric concept car NUVU is on display at the four-day exhibition. This concept vehicle features the same lithium-ion battery technology and some other components that will power Nissan's new electric vehicles.

"I believe the current global crisis can be an opportunity for innovative car manufacturers like Renault-Nissan," said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. "However this opportunity has to bring progressive solutions for a better future."

"Renault and Nissan are among the firsts to deliver tangible progress and today, I wish them to get all the support they need to advance their project"

"Through the partnership with the Alliance Monaco is creating conditions that will benefit the environment for years to come," said Eric Nicolas, Senior Vice President Nissan, International SA.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance, which aims to be the global leader in zero-emission mobility, will bring electric vehicles to Monaco in 2011, making Monaco one of the first countries to be supplied with electric vehicles from the Alliance. In 2012, Nissan and Renault will mass-market electric vehicles globally.