HERTZ PARTNERSHIP SPARKS NISSAN ELECTRIC VEHICLE RENTAL PROGRAMME 

LEAF electric vehicles will be offered for rental across Europe and the US from 2011 following a joint partnership between Nissan and Hertz, the world’s largest general use car rental brand.

Under the terms of a signed Memorandum of Understanding, Hertz will develop a roll-out of the Nissan LEAF EV at selected rental sites by early 2011.

As the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of eco-mobility that is in line with rising consumer demand across Europe. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, the medium-size hatchback comfortably seats five adults and has a range of around 100 miles to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. The car will go on sale in Japan , the US and Europe in late 2010.

“The partnership with Nissan seals Hertz’s commitment to green-car rentals and firmly demonstrates our mission to advancing zero-emission mobility on a global scale,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. commented: “Our partnership with Hertz is an important step towards our goal of promoting widespread acceptance of electric vehicles. Together with our Alliance partner Renault, we aim to be the leader in zero-emission vehicles which we believe are one of the best solutions for sustaining the growing need for transport across the globe.”