The zero-emission partnership will primarily focused on the following areas:

Educational program: Study the potential to implement EV trial amongst the residential community, and monitor the progress and acceptance of EVs; Create opportunities for the public to experience the electric car through exhibitions, test-drive programs or in conjuction with other community events.

Promote EVs in the Business Sector: Promote the use of EVs, particularly in the eco-tourism sector; Create environmental and energy area educational programs, and educate employees in EV-related business sectors.

Promote mass adoption of EVs: Develop a charging system that utilizes electricity generated from renewable solar energy; Develop the necessary infrastructure for chargings stations; Create more dialogue opportunities to encourage more private sectors to adopt EVs; Study the implementation of an incentive system for EVs.

Impact Assessment Study: Study the feasibility and acceptance level for EVs within the community; Study the feasibility to cooperate on the “Miyazaki Solar Frontier Vision” as proposed by the Miyazaki Prefecture.

“Miyazaki is committed to promote renewable energy through the introduction of the ‘Miyazaki Solar Frontier Vision’ in March,” said Miyazaki Governor Hideo Higashikokubaru. “Through this partnership with Nissan to promote EVs, we hope to expand the potential of solar energy in order to achieve a truly low-carbon society.”

“Mass adoption of electric cars is key to creating a sustainable low-carbon society, and it is essential for us to work with public and private stakeholders to achieve success,” said Toshiyuki Shiga, Nissan Chief Operating Officer. “Miyazaki Prefecture, a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful natural attractions, is ideally suited for the promotion of all-electric, zero-emission vehicles.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility. To date, the Alliance has signed zero-emission partnerships with more than 30 governments, municipalities and companies worldwide. Nissan will introduce the LEAF electric car in Japan, the US and Europe in 2010 followed by global mass marketing in 2012.