2009 Tokyo Auto Show: Nissan's Plans For EVs Stretch to Infitniti
By John O'Dell October 21, 2009
Nissan's wild Land Glider concept (left) will be transformed into a real EV that the automaker will bring to market in the next few years, part of a stable of four electric cars - including a luxury Infiniti model - the automaker intends to build as it begins its drive to electrify.
The Infiniti EV and Land Glider-based Nissan model were announced by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn during the Tokyo auto show press preview this morning.
The company, which was late to market a hybrid, intends to use battery-electric cars, starting with the already developed Nissan Leaf, as a way to catch up to or even surpass Toyota and Honda in the fuel efficiency race. Ghosn has said he believes electric drive will grow to be the dominant automotive propulsion system.
The five-seat Leaf hatchback is due in limited U.S. and Japanese markets late next year with global sales to follow in 2012.
Ghosn said that the fourth Nissan EV would be a battery-electric version of the company's new NV200 Vanette minivan (right), but didn't specify whether the electic van would be the commercial model, passenger moel or both.
For car enthusiasts, a Land Glider-based EV holds lots of promise as a fun-to-drive runabout, especially if Nissan manageges to keep features such as the concept's tandem seating and motorcycle-style suspension that leans into corners.
Ghosn said designers have already begun work on a concept car that will establish the Infiniti EV as a "stylish, compact" four-seater.
The first Infiniti hybrid, based on the M35 sedan, was just announced earlier this month for a 2011 retail debut.
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