So Chevy Volt snatched the Green Car award at the New York show, but Nissan LEAF was awarded 2011 World Car of the Year to balance things out.
The electric LEAF which already has European Car of the Year award in the bag, beat BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. I know it’s decided by a panel of expert journalists, but honestly, who would just look at the BMW 5er and Nissan LEAF and say yes, I want the Nissan minger! That’s what depressing, just because it’s a good electric car we have to accept it’s the best car in the world.
“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,” said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “This accolade recognises 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 World Car Awards jurors observed that, “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 eight hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low centre 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.”
Why do they make these cars so UGLY? It is like eating a dry diet protein bar when you are not on a diet! My guess is they don’t want to steal from their gas engine cash cows yet. So if you really want one you have to swallow the bitter ugly pill. Can’t it once be for just the good and faster improvement of human quality of life instead of the money? Yes we are still evolving I know.