By Shane Gladstone
More than 50 award-winning Nissan electric cars have arrived in the UK ahead of their launch date.
A total of 60 Nissan Leafs have arrived at the Port of Tyne on-board energy efficient car carrier the City of St Petersburg.
The vehicles have been brought in to the country ahead of their March 1 sales launch and it was fitting that the celebrated electric cars were carried on a suitability eco-friendly vessel.
For the City of St Petersburg slashes C02 emissions by 2,500 tons per year thanks to its aerodynamic bow.
From the port the vehicles - awarded 2011 European Car of the Year - will be driven to 25 Nissan EV (electric vehicle) dealerships in Britain.
The Leaf took the top spot ahead of 34 combustion engine vehicles and it was the first nomination for an electric vehicle since the awards began.
The title suggests that many people looking to save on spiralling fuel costs and ease the burden of car insurance payments may look to the Leaf as a serious option.
Leafs arriving on our shores in this manner will become a regular sight until 2013 - when production gets under way at the plant in Sunderland.
The Leaf is powered by a lithium ion battery pack and produces no tail-pipe pollution or greenhouse gas emissions when on the road.
And when fully charged, the car can travel around 109 miles.
It will cost £23,990 when it goes on sale - but this includes a £5,000 Government incentive.
