Another record-breaking month for the family-friendly Nissan LEAF has been capped with news the 100% electric model has continued its market-leader status in the UK.
Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the everyday appeal of the practical and affordable hatchback – a model which boasts a growing rapid charging network – helped it clock up an impressive 230 sales during January 2014.
That total was more than 1,000% percent up on sales in January 2013 (source: SMMT) and clearly shows the LEAF continues to enjoy strong upward sales momentum in the face of growing competition. In fact, nearly three quarters of all pure electric vehicles sold in January 2014 were Nissan LEAFs, continuing the trend secured last year.
The news that the British-built Nissan LEAF remains the nation’s electric model of choice came after a month when the company hit major milestones in terms of global sales and the installation of infrastructure.
First came the sale of the 3,000th all-electric Nissan LEAF in the UK and this was followed soon after by news that Hampshire dentist Brett Garner had become the 100,000th LEAF owner worldwide.
Then, last week the positives continued with the announcement that 1,000 CHAdeMO rapid chargers have now been installed across Europe, with almost 20% of them right here in the UK. These units – which can recharge the Nissan LEAF from zero to 80 percent in 30 minutes – are available at 195 locations around the UK including IKEA stores, motorway services stations and Nissan dealerships, many of which are currently completely free for Nissan owners to use.
Jim Wright, Managing Director at Nissan Motor GB, said:
“Momentum around the Nissan LEAF is growing with each passing month and that trend only looks like continuing. When we launched the LEAF we were the first manufacturer to bring an all-electric vehicle to market that was both practical and affordable and the success of the LEAF demonstrates we were right to do so. Now other manufacturers are trying to play catch-up by bringing their own electric models to market, but the fact that we’ve kicked-off the new year as the leader of the pack puts us in a great position for the year ahead.”
Source; Nissan
