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The Renault-Nissan Alliance Forms Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership in the Tucson Metro Area

Posted on: Friday, 6 March 2009, 08:00 CST

TUCSON, Ariz., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and Pima Association of Governments (PAG), which represents the Tucson region, are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. ECOtality Inc., a Scottsdale, Ariz., clean electric transportation and storage technologies company, also will participate in the partnership by working to facilitate the process of helping make the Tucson Metro Area EV-ready.

The Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later.

"This partnership represents a major step toward making zero emissions a reality in the Tucson Metro Area," said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America. "The Tucson area long has been a leader in advanced technology and sustainability planning. We are looking forward to working with our partners in fostering the development and acceptance of electric vehicles as a smart, environmentally sound choice."

The partnership supports the PAG Clean Cities Program, whose efforts in developing a regional EV Micro-Climate Working Group will bring together regional stakeholders to streamline the establishment of charging infrastructure to support grid-connected vehicles in the Tucson area.

"As a region, we are leading the way in developing a rich charging infrastructure to support cleaner modes of transportation," said PAG Regional Council Chair Lynne Skelton. "This joint agreement will foster new jobs and opportunities in the Tucson region as we become a pioneer launch market for these advanced vehicles."

As part of the agreement, Nissan will assist PAG and its member jurisdictions in EV acquisition as well as work with PAG to develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for EVs. The region has committed to promote and aid in the deployment, operation and maintenance of the charging network.

ECOtality will participate and support the efforts of Nissan, PAG, utilities and other agencies to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline the deployment of an EV infrastructure.

"Our strong knowledge of Arizona's transportation systems and government operations, combined with our past experience of installing EV infrastructure throughout the Southwest, uniquely positions ECOtality to assist PAG and Nissan in facilitating this process," said Jonathan Read, president and CEO, ECOtality. "Through sensible policies, intelligent deployment of charge infrastructure, and strong public awareness, PAG, Nissan and ECOtality will help make the Tucson region an EV Micro-Climate that successfully fosters consumer adoption of clean electric transportation."

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, the Principality of Monaco, Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama city (Japan), French electric utility company EDF, private car hire service "greentomatocars" (UK) and with zero-emission transport system company "elektromotive" (UK). In the United States, the Alliance also has agreed to ZEV partnerships in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, and Sonoma County, Calif., to explore ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure.

Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com.

Renault-Nissan Alliance

The Renault-Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6,160,046 vehicles in 2007. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world's top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability.

Pima Association of Governments

Pima Association of Governments is an association of local, state and tribal governments with a mission to build consensus among its members and the public on regional planning for transportation, air quality and water quality.

ECOtality, Inc.

ECOtality, Inc. (OTCBB: ETLY), headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies. Through innovation, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, ECOtality accelerates the market applicability of advanced electric technologies to replace carbon-based fuels. For more information about ECOtality, Inc., please visit www.ecotality.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America

Source: PR Newswire

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