Nissan's Green LEAF Explores the Urban Jungle on Earth Day 2012

RAYNHAM, MASS. (05/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The urban jungle of New York City got a bit greener on April 20, when Nissan and its all-electric LEAF helped the city celebrate its Earth Day 2012. For its second year of sponsoring the event, the automaker highlighted the eco-friendly aspects of the LEAF available at Nissan dealerships, using a choreographed CO2 E Drive around Manhattan and a car runway show in Times Square.

To get to Times Square, the Nissan LEAF joined other environmentally friendly vehicles on the CO2 E Drive. Equipped with GPS tracking devices, the vehicles followed a route through the city's streets that formed the shape of an 'E' from above. Satellite cameras captured the LEAF and its companions' movements around the city, allowing viewers to watch the E form in real time as the cars completed their predestined routes. A satellite image with the E route overlay can be viewed at http://co2greendrive.gilvader.dk/newyork.html.

"There's really no better way to celebrate Earth Day than with the LEAF, which is 100 percent emissions-free," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Nissan dealership Mastria Nissan. "Whether you're driving the LEAF in New York or Massachusetts, you'll never find yourself having to deal with rising gas prices, and you'll be hard pressed to find a more eco-friendly model out there."

The Times Square runway car show following the CO2 E Drive focused on the attributes of green vehicles, instead of the strict focus on aesthetics that dominates typical New York City fashion shows. Attendees were educated on the Nissan LEAF's lack of tailpipe emissions, its parts comprised of recyclable materials and its 100-mile range, which is more than enough for the average urban or suburban commuter.

Drivers that would rather opt for a traditional gasoline-powered ride will find plenty of eco-friendliness in the new, fuel-efficient 2013 Nissan Altima. Nissan projects that the Altima will return a class-leading 38 mpg on the highway with its redesigned 2.5-liter engine and smooth-shifting next-generation continually variable transmission. The newly designed transmission alone is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 15 percent compared to the previous-generation Altima.

When the 2013 Altima goes on sale in June, it will feature plenty of interior and exterior updates to help it compete in a crowded midsize sedan segment. An updated aerodynamic exterior gets points for style as well as for added fuel efficiency. On the inside, NASA-inspired ergonomic seats make for a more luxurious and comfortable ride. New available technologies like the Blind Spot Warning system and Lane Departure Warning system will help broaden the Altima's appeal to the safety-conscious as well.

"The 2013 Altima improves upon the things that already attract buyers to the vehicle, like its sophisticated styling and cutting-edge tech features," added Ferreira. "Nissan was able to do all that while most likely making the car the most fuel efficient in its class, which should help the new Altima put in a serious challenge to be the best-selling car in the United States."

About Mastria Nissan:

Mastria Nissan has been serving Massachusetts Nissan fans since 2004, focusing on exceptional customer service and a low-pressure sales environment. Their Nissan dealership offers the full line of Nissan sedans, crossovers and pickups, as well as a state-of-the-art Nissan service department staffed with skilled technicians. Plus, Mastria Nissan is the only authorized NV dealer in the area, making them the destination for business owners in Southern Massachusetts who need commercial vehicles. Located at 1305 New State Highway in Raynham, they can be reached by phone at 888-820-9028 or found online at www.mastrianissan.com and www.facebook.com/MastriaNissan.