Renault-Nissan Alliance Signs Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership in Québec
The Renault–Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan Canada has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Québec, the City of Montréal, Québec City, Hydro-Québec and the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique du Québec to advance zero-emission mobility in Québec. The parties will work together to plan the necessary charging infrastructure and to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles in Québec.
"This agreement brings us a step closer to a governmental action plan on electric vehicles, which will be launched within the next few months," said Minister of Natural Resources, Nathalie Normandeau. “We are planning a series of concrete actions that will pave the way for the arrival of electric vehicles in Québec. Since 97% of our electricity comes from clean, renewable resources, Québec presents a number of advantages for the introduction of electric vehicles.”
“The Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission mobility, which is one of the best solutions for reducing CO2 emissions,” said Mark Grimm, President Nissan Canada Inc. “We look forward to bringing the Nissan LEAF, the only mass-market zero-emission car at an affordable price, to Québec. Our partners have already demonstrated their commitment to combating greenhouse gas emissions and we anticipate a productive collaboration.”
Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Québec’s President and CEO, added that "today's announcement falls perfectly in line with our Strategic Plan 2009–2013 and other initiatives currently underway at Hydro-Québec. This memorandum of understanding will allow us to work closely with these important partners to carefully plan for the arrival of electric vehicles in Québec."
“Montréal is a true leader with respect to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, ” said Alan DeSousa, Vice-President of the Executive Committee and responsible for finance, sustainable development, environment and parks. “The memorandum of understanding signed with our partners meets the objectives of Montréal's Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development. It will raise our city's profile in North America with regard to electric vehicles and will help us reach our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by the year 2020.”
Québec City's Mayor, Régis Labeaume stated: “This partnership is in line with Québec City's ongoing efforts to develop sustainable transportation. The implementation of the Écolobus service, a fleet of non-polluting, ultra-quiet electric minibuses that travel the streets of Vieux-Québec, is a great success that contributes to maintaining the quality of the capital’s environment.”
Nissan, along with its alliance partner Renault, is committed to making affordable, all-electric vehicles available to the mass-market globally. The Nissan LEAF, a five-passenger all-electric vehicle, will first be available in select Canadian markets, such as Québec, before the end of 2011.
The MOU agreement adds Québec to a growing network of zero-emission vehicle initiatives across the world.