Nissan Leaf, which LEAF stands for “Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car”, was chosen from an initial entry of 39 new vehicles worldwide, then down to the final three.
The winning vehicles at the car show relies on the hands of an international jury panel consisting of 66 top-level automotive journalists from 24 nations worldwide, with each juror appointed by the World Car Steering Committee.
Apparently, Audi A8 and the BMW 5 Series were the other two finalists, in which candidate cars should have been available in the market in at least 2 continents from January 1, 2010 to May 30, 2011.
Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, said on the report:
“It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year.”
Nissan Leaf was noted as the world’s first mass-produced electric car, and takes about 8 hours to be recharged on a 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions, with its maximum speed of 90 mph although Nissan said it can reach to over 100 mph on full charge. As an all-electric car, it produces no tailpipe pollution or greenhouse gas emissions at the point of operation, and reduces dependence on petroleum.
Among other awards and recognition, the Nissan Leaf won the 2010 Green Car Vision Award and the 2011 European Car of the Year award and ranks as the most efficient EPA certified vehicle for all fuels ever.
Other winners of the New York World Car of the Year were Ferrari 458 Italia for 2011 World Car Performance Car Award, and Chevrolet Volt for the 2011 World Green Car award.
photo: nissan-insight.com
