Nissan to introduce electric Leaf to South Africa

(September 8, 2013) IRVINE, Calif.— Nissan in South Africa is set to create a new kind of stir in the local vehicle market this spring as the Nissan Leaf goes on sale as the country's first electric vehicle. Epitomizing the brand's slogan of "Innovation that Excites," the Nissan Leaf will be making its South African debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October 2013, going on sale to the public at the same time.

Having sold over 75,000 units worldwide since its international launch in 2010, the South African launch will pave the way for other EVs to enter the market in the future.

Managing Director of Nissan South Africa, Mike Whitfield, said: "The launch of the Nissan Leaf in South Africa will be a ground-breaking event this year as it brings about the dawn of a new era of motoring. Nissan is the first brand to explore EV retail in South Africa and we are extremely proud to be able to say 'we were first'."


The Nissan Leaf has already been impressing South Africans in pilot programs with Eskom — the national electricity supplier — the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the outcome of the programs paving the way forward for the development of the entire new EV industry in South Africa.

"After initially announcing that the Nissan Leaf would grace South African roads at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show, we are now even more excited to be able to bring full EV mobility to the South African public with a holistic approach," concludes Whitfield. "This award-winning car will set a new tone for personal mobility in the country and we are honored that Nissan is the first name on the list of EV manufacturers in South Africa."