Nissan LEAF awarded World Car of the Year

The fully-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF has been named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show. The prestigious award is the latest of many for the battery-powered hatchback, which beat out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the coveted prize.

The panel of judges, which includes motoring journalists from Asia, Europe and North America, had this to say of the vehicle:

"The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter."

Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn was proud to accept the award saying: "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. This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan's clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world."

The LEAF is currently available in in Japan, the United States and select European markets. Nissan are planning for its release in other global markets in 2012.