InfoAnda - Nissan says Leaf electric car is 'game changer' for car sector

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Filipinos overseas sent record $1.48B home in May | 16 July 2009
Mortars hit Baghdad Green Zone during Biden visit | 16 September 2009
U.S. asks Russia to warn Iran ahead of new talks-paper | | 14 March 2012

Syria forces hold hundreds in Latakia sports stadium | | 17 August 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Nissan says Leaf electric car is 'game changer' for car sector

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Nissan says Leaf electric car is 'game changer' for car sector AFP - Wednesday, May 19 Send IM Story Print Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing of Nissan Europe, Simon Thomas, stands in front of a Nissan Leaf electric car as he addresses media at a news conference at their offices in London, on May 17. LONDON (AFP) - – Japanese carmaker Nissan hopes the launch of its new mass-market electric car is a "game-changing" event that will transform the auto sector and help triple its profits, say industry analysts. But they warned that its success is riding on whether the price is really low enough to win over the masses or not. Nissan announced in London on Monday that its new Leaf vehicle will be sold in western Europe for under 30,000 euros (37,105 dollars), after government incentives that are aimed at encouraging green car use. The car, which has a top speed of more than 140 kilometres (90 miles) per hour and is powered by a lithium battery, will go on sale in Portugal and the Netherlands in December, and in Britain and Ireland in February 2011. The Leaf -- which stands for Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family car -- is billed by Nissan as the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle with zero emissions. "We do believe this car is a game-changer in terms of this technology and it will play a role in the future," Simon Thomas, Nissan's senior vice president, sales and marketing, told AFP at a London press conference on Monday. The firm, which is 43.4-percent owned by France's Renault, also forecast that electric vehicles will account for 10 percent of world car sales by 2020. Japan's number three automaker had revealed last week that it bounced back into profits in its 2009/2010 financial year -- and forecast profits to more than triple on hopes for its new electric car and emerging market demand. European reservations for the Leaf can be made from July, while the car will be rolled out in every major western European country by the end of next year. Nissan added that its electric car will cost around the same as a diesel or hybrid vehicle. "The Renault-Nissan alliance is investing over four billion euros to lead the auto industry in electric vehicles, with eight products across three brands," Thomas said. The huge investment includes five battery plants and seven confirmed assembly factories, including one in Sunderland, northeastern England. Industry experts were impressed by the advent of Nissan's mass-market electric car -- but added that the vehicle was not cheap. "It's the beginning of a very different sort of industry," Peter Wells, automotive expert at Cardiff University, told AFP. "It does mark a quantum leap forward in terms of mass-market product cars," he said, adding that the Leaf is "not by any means a cheap car". Nissan's five-seater hatchback has a range of 160 kilometres (100 miles), can be recharged through domestic power supply in about eight hours, or topped up to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes at electric recharging stations. John O'Connor, director of Warwick University's low carbon vehicle transportation project, described the Leaf as "ground-breaking". "It is ground-breaking for the first high-volume electric vehicle," O'Connor told AFP, but also cautioned that it was "quite expensive ... and really for the early adopters". Nissan hopes electric vehicles will boost growth and compete with Mitsubishi Motors' i-MiEV and Fuji Heavy, which makes the Subaru Plug-in Stella. Toyota, the world's largest car maker, has focused on petrol-electric hybrids such as the Prius, but has also promised to launch its own electric car by 2012. Nissan does not want to be beaten by Toyota in the marketplace for electric emission-free cars, according to Wells. "It shows that Renault-Nissan are well ahead of the pace on this," Wells added. "Toyota took a 10-year lead on the industry with hybrid technology. This is an attempt to grab back the initiative." However, he sounded a note of caution about the economic outlook amid the eurozone's mounting crisis over high levels of state debt. "It's becoming unstable -- it could turn quite nasty and if it does then the car industry could be in a difficult situation," said Wells. From December, Nissan will sell the Leaf in Japan for 2.99 million yen, when government incentives are included. Technological breakthroughs in the development of long-lasting lithium-ion batteries have significantly and lowered the cost of electric vehicles and increased their range and top speed potential. The Leaf will not be the first mainstream electric car on the market. Mitsubishi Motors recently rolled out its "i-MiEV" minicar while Fuji Heavy Industries launched the Subaru plug-in STELLA. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Swedish political party steps in to save filesharing site AFP - 17 minutes ago US-TECH Summary Reuters - 32 minutes ago Best Buy plans May launch for video downloads Reuters - 32 minutes ago 'Rent a local friend': web idea eases travel blues AFP - 48 minutes ago US regulators urged to probe online alcohol marketing AFP - 59 minutes ago News Search Top Stories EU loan arrives to save Greece from debt default Euro dives to new four-year low against dollar 'We are trailblazers' say Mars Mission volunteers US drug giant Pfizer to cut 6,000 jobs Europe backs 'strict' hedge fund curbs More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Ocean fish could disappear in 40 years: UN Prudential eyes record takeover of Asian insurer BBC says sorry for queen death joke Europe labours over rescue deal as fears linger Euro hits four-year dollar low, stocks mixed More Most Viewed » Scientists stunned as grey whale sighted off Israel Lack of sleep linked to early death: study UN fears 'irreversible' damage to natural environment Earth may be too hot for humans by 2300: study Freddie Mac asks for fresh 10.6 billion dollar bailout More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Wednesday, 19 May 2010
EU vows 'no protectionism' as it seals LatAm trade deals
Big powers agree on draft Iran sanctions
US-TECH Summary
Saudi forces free two German girls kidnapped in Yemen
US says China, Russia back Iran sanctions
Unsure about customs laws? There's an app for that
U.S. envoy arrives for Israeli-Palestinian talks |
France frees Iranian killer amid deal controversy
Europe backs 'strict' hedge fund curbs
'We are trailblazers' say Mars Mission volunteers
Google offers $68.2 million for Norwegian VOIP firm
Seoul to blame North Korea for warship attack: report |
Increase in 2011 EU budget 'unacceptable': Britain
"Digital genome" safeguards dying data formats
US drug giant Pfizer to cut 6,000 jobs
Reiss was not a spy, says angry French government |
Professional social networking booming
Special Report: How the White House learned to love the drone |
Microsoft adds new tools, features to Hotmail
Japan's solar cell market more than tripled in 2009
Nissan says Leaf electric car is 'game changer' for car sector
Clinton: UN Security Council To Weight New Sanctions Against Iran
10 Percent Of New Fathers Shown To Experience Prenatal or Postpartum Depression
LED market faces bright outlook but hurdles remain
Suicide bomber spotlights Russia's Islamist battle |
Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez Earn BET Award Nominations
Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato Make "Band Hero" And "Guitar Hero" Debut
US Reacts, NATO Condemns Kabul Attack; Taliban Takes Responsibility
Housing Starts Jump More Than Expected In April
Attorney General Biden Discharged From Delaware Hospital
Fears grow that Gulf oil could strike Florida
Taliban suicide bomb hits NATO convoy, kills 18
Woman Gets Life After Gutting Pregnant Woman For Baby
Karzai's brother accused of influence-peddling
Obama Administration Injecting $800 Million To Reopen Shuttered Auto Plants
Two abducted Chinese oil-workers released in Yemen: official
Bret Michaels To Appear On “The Celebrity Apprentice” Live Finale
Thai government rules out talks unless Reds end rally
Thai govt says no peace talks unless protests end
Professional social networking booming |
UN to send review mission to North Korea
S.Korea wraps up warship probe amid US backing
Digital genome safeguards dying data formats |
Swingers' case tests sexual limits in China
Taliban bike bomb kills 12 in Pakistan
Unsure about customs laws? There's an app for that |
Year after war, Sri Lankan Tamils pray for victims
Best Buy plans May launch for video downloads |
China's Wen says financial crisis more serious than expected
WTO to rule on China-EU shoe dispute
Japan PM admits fault in handling cattle disease
Indonesia hit by 6.0 magnitude earthquake
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
ABC rolls out 10 new TV series, bets big on drama
Men doing the housework reduces divorce risk: study
"Law & Order" may get reprieve from death: producer
Rare portraits of N.Korea leader revealed
Africa's AIDS drama overwhelms at Cannes
Rise and fall of Romania's dictator Ceaucescu at Cannes
Creative People Found To Share Traits With Those Suffering From Schizophrenia
Tony award goes to NY cops for real-life drama
U.K. Deports Assassin Of Ex-Iran Prime Minister
Oldest Pyramid Tomb In America Found In Mexico
Lindsay Lohan ordered to LA court |
ABC rolls out 10 new TV series, bets big on drama |
Law & Order may get reprieve from death: producer |
Taliban militants attack military base in Afghanistan
Germany clamps down on speculative trading
Thai protest leaders surrender after deadly clashes |
Twitter expects hundreds of advertisers in Q4
'Three police, one guerrilla killed in Caucasus'
Latvia's cyber 'Robin Hood' faces the law
Afghan Taliban launch brazen attack on NATO base |
Australia's Fortescue cites tax, suspends projects
Yahoo buys user-generated publisher
Big powers agree on Iran sanctions draft |
Hewlett-Packard profit surges as tech spending revives
Dollar surges to new four-year high against euro
Euro dives to new four-year low against dollar
Chavez government takes over Venezuela forex trade |
buying Associated Content in original content push
EU loan arrives to save Greece from debt default
US regulators urged to probe online alcohol marketing
Pakistan forces kill 28; U.S. officials in talks |
Facebook launches 'fast and free' new mobile site
Northern Peru hit by magnitude 6.0 quake: USGS |
Pakistan receives $1.13 billion from IMF |
Swedish political party steps in to save filesharing site
Best Buy plans May launch for video downloads
Disgruntled U.S. voters take down veteran senator
US voter anger topples establishment candidates
Pakistan clash kills 28 militants, two soldiers
Two missing after new Russian coal mine accident |
Small terror attacks cause for concern: Obama adviser
India's south-east coast braces for cyclone
Thai protest leaders to surrender, end sit-in
US voter anger on display in key races
Congress Considers Loan Guarantees for Small Business Recovery Program
Chinese girls freed after bondage ordeal: report
Obama starts deploying interrogation teams
Hewlett Packard Q2 Profit Jumps, Raises Outlook
SKorea's top diplomat: 'Obvious' NKorea sank ship
Panasonic Offers Exclusive Blu-Ray 3D Versions Of "Coraline," "Ice Age" Sequel
Pakistani in Chile says wants 'US to be safe'
CBS Cancels "Ghost Whisperer," Could Be Picked Up By ABC
U.S. Markets Slide On Euro Concerns
Somali admits in U.S. court to ship hijacking
Stealing Harvard: Man Pleads Not Guilty To Falsifying Applications, Identity Fraud
US orders deportation of ex-Nazi to Austria
Home Depot Q1 Profit Jumps 41 Percent
S.Korea minister blames North for warship sinking
Google beats Microsoft in smartphones: Gartner |
Seoul shares at 2-mth closing low;Mando at session high
Top US security officials meet in Pakistan
Pakistan receives $1.13 billion from IMF
Google to fight government if AdMob deal blocked |
At least 28 militants said killed in Pakistan clash
Euro drops after German short-selling ban
Twitter expects hundreds of advertisers |
Toyota to recall 11,500 Lexus vehicles
Taiwan leader says China may dismantle missiles
Yahoo buys user-generated publisher |
Toyota pays record 16 mln dlrs safety fine
Toyota to recall 4,500 Lexus vehicles in Japan
PAKISTAN
Facebook, mobile carriers offer free access to site |
New Zealand maintains growth pace in Q1-NBNZ survey
Giant Aztec earth goddess on show in Mexico City
Seoul shares at 2-mth closing low; Mando up in debut
From brutal to beloved, Simon Cowell heads to "Idol" farewell
Korea Hot Stocks-SK Broadband rallies on merger talk
Lindsay Lohan ordered to LA court
New baby for Travolta after son's tragic death
Footballer Ochocinco misses out on "Dancing" finals
Oprah Winfrey hires manager for personal fortune: report
Khodorkovsky art protest show opens in New York
Justin Bieber among black entertainment nominees
Vanessa Williams turns "Desperate" for ABC
From brutal to beloved, Simon Cowell heads to Idol farewell |
Lindsay Lohan ordered to LA court |
New baby for Travolta after son's tragic death |
Oprah Winfrey hires manager for personal fortune: report |
Footballer Ochocinco misses out on Dancing finals |
Justin Bieber among black entertainment nominees |
Vanessa Williams turns Desperate for ABC |
Taliban attack biggest NATO base in Afghanistan
'Non-crew in cockpit' of Polish leader's crash plane
Samsung to launch first bada-phone soon
Japan town bans public servants from growing beards
Iran dismisses U.N. sanctions draft |
Iran sanctions draft not legitimate-senior official
Pakistan court orders block of Facebook over caricatures
Stock markets in tailspin after German selling ban
Russia confirms agreement on UN Iran sanctions draft
Tuberculosis most deadly of 'neglected' diseases
Obama Welcomes Calderon With Warmth Under Grey Skies
Democrats Win PA Special Election For John Murtha's Seat
Mobile music downloads struggle to make headway
Cameroon attacks show pirates are heading south |
Greece meets debt deadline ahead of strikes
Report: Tar Balls Found In Key West Not From Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Accident
South Korea briefs China on ship sinking blamed on North |
Linda Hamilton Joins “Weeds” As Guest Star
California Woman Shot While Shopping In Gun Store
Moderate Quake Hits Southern California
Spain child deaths: Father charged with sex offences |
Democratic Incumbents, GOP Anointed Fall To Wayside In 3 Primaries
Mobile music downloads struggle to make headway
U.S. envoy and Abbas discuss final-status issues |
Vanessa Williams Joining “Desperate Housewives” As Series Regular
Greek far-left group claims two bomb attacks |
Study finds no brain cancer link to mobile phone use
Exercise Can Cause Asthma-Like Symptoms In Otherwise Healthy Kids
Depression Common After Traumatic Brain Injuries
Darfur rebel leader caught in airport standoff |
Curfew imposed to curb Bangkok rioting
Students hurt in China cleaver attack: report
Top US security officials meet in Pakistan
Report says 9 hurt in latest China knife attack
Japan to slaughter all livestock in disease-hit areas
Curfew declared in Bangkok
Maoist landmine kills four Indian police
Google beats Microsoft in smartphones, catching Apple |
German selling ban spurs financial market tailspin
Samsung eyes early launch of bada-phone |
Taiwan mulls lifting bank deposit guarantee measure
Mobile music downloads struggle to make headway |
VCs see Android gaining on iPhone |
European crisis lends urgency to China-US talks
China's CNPC buys stake in Shell's Syria unit
Mobile music downloads struggle to make headway |
Italy investigates Google's Street View |
MARKETS-KOREA-STOCKS (UPDATE 2) =2
S.Korea says to respond if euro zone woes deepen
Ken Loach sends Iraq war film into Cannes battle
China urged to drive 'hard bargain' with US on yuan
Pakistan blocks Facebook over caricatures |
Miss USA pole-dancing photos spark controversy
For kids, video games top saving nature: survey
John Fogerty philosophical after Nashville floods
Cannes films eye "robbery" behind banking crisis
Owl City gives flight to shy 'MySpace generation'
John Fogerty philosophical after Nashville floods |
Mobile music downloads struggle to make headway |
Korean star Yun Jung-hee back on screen at Cannes |
Cannes films eye robbery behind banking crisis |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01