100 000 LEAFs out of Nissan’s book

Nissan LEAF, the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, has reached a major milestone in its short life … After just three years of being on sale globally, Nissan has delivered the 100 000th example of the zero-emission mover.

This top-of-the-range Nissan LEAF Tekna was built in the United Kingdom (UK) and has been sold to a British buyer based in Hampshire. “For such a revolutionary car to achieve this sales milestone in such a short space of time is a major achievement,” says Guillaume Cartier, senior vice president sales and marketing, Nissan Europe.

The 100 000th Nissan LEAF customer, Brett Garner, who owns a dental practice in nearby Fareham on the South Coast of England, says: “I chose my Nissan LEAF because I am very impressed by its running costs.”

He continues: “The cost of ownership; such as maintenance, insurance and charging also convinced my wife. She had the experience of driving 500 miles (805 km) in a borrowed LEAF and the low running cost was remarkable. So she was converted and insisted that we buy a LEAF.”


As a father of three, Garner says that the car is convenient and comfortable for his family as well.”The Nissan LEAF is perfect for everyday commuting and charging it is not a problem. It is ideal for the family as it is quiet and not tiring, even on longer journeys, because there is no vibration. Above all it is fun to drive!”

To celebrate the sales achievement, Nissan has produced a unique version of its LEAF with 100 000 very special optional extras – with each one representing a sale. The car is decorated in 50 000 two-pence sterling coins from the UK and 50 000 two-cent euro coins – symbolising the cost efficient running of the car.

This minted marvel (which is on display at Martins of Winchester, the Nissan dealer that sold the actual 100 000th car) took a specialist team of three people a full seven days to complete. (Half the car is covered in sterling coins and the other in euro coins with the word ‘LEAF’ highlighted by the use of three layers of coins.) However, the coins aren’t likely to be offered as a regular option as, together, they add a substantial 504 kg to the overall weight of the car.

Cartier concludes: “The Nissan LEAF is a pioneer in every sense and over the last three years has done a great deal to change attitudes towards electric vehicles – indeed some of the best Nissan LEAF ‘salespeople’ are our highly satisfied owners who praise the car whenever they can. We are confident the next 100 000 global sales will come even more quickly.”

 As the LEAF entered South Africa in November last year, perhaps we’ll have one covered in five-cent coins someday.