The Renault-Nissan Alliance and the State of Oregon Form Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership

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SEE ALSO: Nissan Buyers Guide

LOS ANGELES, November 19, 2008: The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and the state of Oregon are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Portland General Electric (PGE) also is a participant in the partnership and is working toward the development of an easily accessible and reliable network of charging stations.

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. Ghosn announced the Oregon agreement during an address at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"This partnership represents a major step toward reliable zero-emission mobility in the state of Oregon," said Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault SA,. "Together, we are creating conditions that will encourage consumers to consider an electric vehicle as an attractive choice that is also good for the environment."

The partnership supports Oregon Gov. Theodore Kulongoski's commitment to sustainability, which includes the effort to lead the nation in establishing the infrastructure necessary for a greener transportation system.

"Today's announcement shows that a state can create economic opportunity from its commitment to a greener future and the fight against global warming," Gov. Kulongoski said. "Oregon welcomes Nissan and is pleased to help lead the way in the transition to new, greener vehicle technologies. By partnering with Nissan and Portland General Electric, we can work together to build a consistent and reliable refueling infrastructure so consumers can make the switch to electric vehicles."

As part of the agreement, Nissan has committed to make available a supply of ZEVs to the state of Oregon and work with the state to develop plans to promote the EV Charging Network. The state, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, has committed to promote the deployment, operation and maintenance of the EV Charging Network by developing specifications for charging stations and seeking agreements with suppliers that may be used by entities such as local governments and utility companies.

The state, under Gov. Kulongoski's leadership, and Nissan are working with PGE towards the creation of the EV charging network. PGE, as part of its plug- in vehicle initiative, is striving to find innovative solutions to Oregon's transportation and energy challenges through the development of a model charging station infrastructure, as well as identifying its infrastructure needs related to vehicle-to-grid technology. Over the past several months, PGE has installed six charging stations- with the capability to charge several dozen vehicles - across the Portland and Salem areas, with more on the way.

"PGE is committed to playing a leadership role to bring this zero-emission transportation option to Oregon residents and businesses," said Peggy Fowler, CEO and president, PGE. "We look forward to sharing technical and educational information in the coming months as we grow our network of stations across the region."

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan), and with French electric utility company EDF. In the United States, the Alliance also has agreed to a ZEV partnership with the state of Tennessee the Tennessee Valley Authority, and other partners, to explore ways to promote zero-emission mobility in Middle Tennessee.