(February 8, 2011) YOKOHAMA — Nissan has announced that it has delivered 220 units of its 100 percent electric and zero-emission Nissan Leaf to rental car companies in Okinawa, to support the project "Eco-resort Island Okinawa Promotion Project."

The Nissan Leaf, which went on sale in December, is leading the way in the spread of electric vehicles (EV) as a means to reduce the effects of tourism on the environment.

The ceremony launching the new EV Rental Car service held in Tomigusuku City in Okinawa was attended by Yoshiyuki Uehara, Okinawa vice-governor and representatives from local business groups, rental car companies and travel agencies. After the ribbon-cutting event, 190 units of the Nissan LEAF made their way to destinations all over Okinawa.

Okinawa attracts nearly six million tourists every year and about half of them rent cars to go sightseeing.

Officials say the Nissan LEAF, with its excellent environmental performance is a perfect fit as it features a spacious cabin that accommodates five adults, superior acceleration performance and quietness, and a new ICT system for navigation.

Related companies have also established a joint company called Advanced Energy Company (AEC) to deploy charging facilities in Okinawa. Providing active support for the wide-spread adoption of EV, the new company has already built 27 charging facilities in 18 spots in the main island, ready for use by the EV rental cars.

With the goal of becoming a global leader in zero-emission mobility, Nissan, in conjunction with Alliance partner Renault, has signed more than 90 partnerships for zero-emission mobility with governments, municipalities and companies worldwide.