02.28.2012
, San José, Costa Rica
The Renault-Nissan Alliance signs agreement (MOU) with the government of Costa Rica to introduce the zero-emissions mobility
- Costa Rica takes the environmental lead by fostering zero-emissions mobility with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF.
- The first agreement of its kind signed by a Central American country.
The Renault – Nissan Alliance and the government of Costa Rica inform that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to introduce the zero-emissions Nissan LEAF in that country.
Representatives from Nissan and the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (Minaet) of Costa Rica signed the document that lays the foundation for the introduction of zero-emission mobility in that country. The signing ceremony, held at Sabana Park, in San José, was presided by Mr. René Castro Salazar, Minister of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications, Mrs. María Guzmán Ortiz, Vice-minister of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications and by Kenneth Ramírez, Director of Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean (NLAC). The witness of honor was Mr. Francisco Jiménez, Minister or Public Works and Transportation. Also in attendance were special guests including Mr. Samuel Aizenman head of Nissan´s distributor in Costa Rica, Agencia Datsun.
As a result of this agreement, both parties will create a work group responsible for introducing the zero-emission Nissan Leaf via a pilot program. The team will collaborate in multiple areas including analyzing infrastructure requirements and defining potential incentives for early adopters of this environmentally-friendly transportation choice.
“We have signed this MOU because we agree that introducing and fostering the use of electric vehicles is one of the best solutions to reduce CO2 emissions. The Costa Rica government is willing to back initiatives that promote within our population a shift toward zero-emission transportation solutions that do not pollute the environment,” said Mrs. Guzmán Ortiz, Vice-minister of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications.
Costa Rica´s National Development Plan 2011 – 2014 focuses on four main pillars: Social Welfare; Citizen Security and Social Peace; Competitiveness and Innovation; Environment and Land Ordering. Within it Costa Rica reiterates a key commitment that it established in 2007 under the UN Framework: that by its bicentennial celebration in 2012 the country will be carbon neutral by off-setting greenhouse gas emissions with carbon reducing efforts. The country´s latest agreement with Nissan underscores supports this effort with the introduction of zero-emission’s mobility.
Kenneth Ramírez, Director/ General Manager of NLAC, said: “It is an honor for Nissan to partner with Costa Rica. With this agreement, Costa Rica becomes the first Central American country to introduce zero-emissions vehicles.” He added: “The future launch of the Nissan LEAF in this country will reinforce Costa Rica´s leadership in environmental affairs and conservation of natural resources in great value for mankind.”
To date, the Renault – Nissan Alliance has signed more than 100 agreements globally with local, regional and national governments, as well as with several companies. Among these are agreements with other Latin American government entities including Mexico City, Brazil, Chile and Puerto Rico.
Nissan in Costa Rica
Nissan arrived into this country in 1960 under the Datsun brand. Currently, the company has 15.8% of the local automotive market and is represented by master distributor Agencia Datsun and two dealerships. Nissan´s vehicle portfolio in Costa Rica includes 12 models ranging from the Tiida Sedan and 370Z to the X-Trail and Navara, and the recently launched Juke.
About Nissan LEAF
Nissan LEAF is a 100% electric, five-passenger vehicle, able to reach a 160 Km autonomy (US LA4 mode), with a performance similar to that of a 6-cylinder engine vehicle an approximate maximum speed of 145 Km/hr (90 mph). Its 280 N-m torque is 100% directly transmitted to the maximum 80kW high-response electric motor, the front wheels, from zero revolutions per minute, thus having an immediate response.
With 20 thousand units sold around the world in just one year, Nissan LEAF (the best seller electric vehicle in the history of car industry) has obtained the 2011 – 2012 Car Of The Year (in Japan), as well as de 2011 European Car Of The Year and World Car Of The Year.
About Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean
Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean (NLAC) operations is based in México City. It oversees sales and marketing activities in 37 countries. In 2011, NLAC sold 140,880 units and achieved a market share of 10%. For more information about Nissan in Latin America and the Caribbean and on the full line of Nissan vehicles, visit our website at www.nissanlac.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/.
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Contacts:
Maria Eugenia Santiago Echandi
Corporate Communications Nissan Mexico and Latin America
maria.santiago@nissan.com.mx
Phone: +52 55 5431 1525
Ana Lucrecia Vargas
Marketing Manager. Agencia Datsun
avargas@agenciadatsun.com
Tel. (506) 2290-0505 ext 2325
Patricia Alpízar
Media Relations Minaet.
Prensa@sigminaet.go.cr
Tel. (506) 8703 – 2504