Nissan Named 2011 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

QUINCY, Mass., May 3, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chose automobile manufacturer Nissan as a 2011 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, adding green credentials to its vehicles and Greater Boston Nissan dealers like Quirk Nissan. It’s the second consecutive year Nissan has received the award in recognition of its continuing efforts to reduce energy use.

Nissan first became an ENERGY STAR partner in 2006 and has since put considerable time and effort into reducing its energy use. In the past five years, Nissan has improved energy efficiency in three of its U.S. plants by more than 30 percent, saving the company more than $11.5 million per year in energy costs. Nissan has also made strides in improving the fuel efficiency of its vehicles.

“Nissan is right on the leading edge of energy-efficient technology,” said Paul Butts, general manager at Quirk Nissan. “It’s a trend that starts in the factories and continues in the cars we sell, like the super affordable Versa, innovative Altima Hybrid and the ground-breaking all-electric LEAF.”

The 2011 Nissan Versa combines class-leading interior volume with frugality at the gas pump, returning city mileage of 26 mpg and highway mileage of 34 mpg in the base model. There are two engine choices, a 122-horsepower 1.8 liter and a 107-horsepower 1.6 liter, and three available transmissions, including a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual for those who want extra responsiveness and control.

The feather in Nissan’s green hat is the all-electric LEAF, a car that uses no fossil fuels and generates no emissions. The LEAF’s power system, which produces 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, was the only electric powertrain chosen by WardsAuto.com as one of its 10 Best Engines for 2011. Ward’s editors praised the LEAF’s driving characteristics, which they found comparable to any subcompact car. The LEAF, which has a range of up to 100 miles, is currently available in six states and more than 20,000 have been ordered, which has encouraged Nissan to dedicate more resources to LEAF production.

Crash ratings show that the LEAF is just as safe as it is frugal. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently published the results of its first-ever round of electric-vehicle crash tests and found that the LEAF was “Good” in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection. Those top marks and standard electronic stability control helped the LEAF earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

“The LEAF is an exciting new vehicle that will change the way Massachusetts Nissan drivers think about electric cars,” Butts said. “With rising fuel prices, car buyers are taking a long, hard look at what they drive. Whether it’s a fuel-efficient Versa or an electric vehicle like the LEAF, Nissan has the answer.”

About Quirk Nissan:
Quirk Nissan, the premier Greater Boston Nissan dealer, is focused on providing superior value and service in every aspect of the automobile purchase and ownership experience. Quirk Nissan offers a full line of new Nissan vehicles, as well as an extensive selection of pre-owned cars, SUVs and trucks, and is known for the honesty and integrity of its sales, service and parts staff. For more information, call 877-647-7861, visit their website at www.quirknissan.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkNissan or stop by their dealership at 600 Southern Artery in Quincy, Mass.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

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