Nissan LEAF Leads The Way At This Weekend's Bupa Great North Run

LONDON – Sept 13, 2012: The Bupa Great North Run will be led this Sunday by the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, thanks to the North East’s largest Motor Group, Benfield, and Nissan’s record-breaking Sunderland Plant.

Newcastle-based Benfield has teamed up with Bupa Great North Run organisers Nova International to provide a fleet of zero-emission, 100% electric Nissan LEAF cars, which will lead 55,000 runners over the Tyne Bridge and along the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.

The 100% electric Nissan LEAF emits no exhaust emissions, so the participants can follow the course without breathing in any fumes from the lead cars. The world’s best-selling electric vehicle has previously been used at other smaller races in the North East, including the 2011 Run for Japan at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant, but never before for an event on this scale.

The three LEAFs in use at Sunday’s race will be used as the timing car and as support vehicles.

Paul James, from Nissan Communications, one of the many employees from Nissan Sunderland Plant taking part in the race, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such a great event like the Bupa Great North Run. It is fitting that the world’s biggest half marathon is led by the world’s best-selling electric car. I wish all my fellow runners every success in Sunday’s race.”

Dave Newton, Managing Director of race organisers Nova International, said: “This will certainly be the greenest start ever made to the Bupa Great North Run and we are delighted that Benfield and Nissan have been able to provide the cars.

“This is a great example of how we can all work together to help improve the environment and the air quality we breathe, which is vitality important for runners and definitely something that Nova would like to replicate across the Great Run programme of events.”

Colin Pybus, Benfield Nissan’s Regional Director, said: “This is a great opportunity to showcase the benefits of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. The Bupa Great North Run receives worldwide coverage and we are delighted to promote how the motor industry is changing and moving towards zero-emissions.

“Benfield is also one of the main sponsors for this year’s run. As a family-owned North East Business with great links with the Nissan brand, it is fantastic to be involved in such a high profile international event.”

The Nissan LEAF is available from Benfield Motor Group from just £25,900 (which includes £5,000 Government grant). Nissan Sunderland Plant will launch production of the Nissan LEAF in 2013.

The Bupa Great North Run, Britain’s biggest mass participation event will feature a record 55,000 entrants and is broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD from 09:30 on Sunday morning. It joins the Bupa Great North 5k, Bupa Junior & Mini Great North Run and the Great North CityGames to form a great weekend of sport in the North East. To find out more visit www.greatrun.org