STAR broadcaster and businessman Mark Goodier has become the first person in the UK to take delivery of the all-new and British-built 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAF.
The former Top of the Pops host, best-known for his time presenting the official UK top 40 on BBC Radio One, was the first customer to collect the original LEAF – the world’s best-selling electric car – when the ground-breaking model was launched in Britain in May 2011.
And today the committed electric vehicle enthusiast enjoyed the same privilege when he returned to Glyn Hopkin Nissan in Waltham Abbey to receive the Intelligent Key to his range-topping LEAF Tekna.
Meanwhile, Mark’s former car – the landmark first customer LEAF delivered in the UK – is now on sale at the dealership, giving one lucky driver access to their own slice of motoring history.
But, after two years and 8,500 miles of enjoyable and hassle-free mains-powered motoring in his 2011 LEAF, the DJ could not wait to climb behind the wheel of his new 2013 car, which features more than 100 improvements over the trailblazing original.
These improvements include an increased range – 124 miles compared to 109 miles – faster charging and, in Tekna spec, a luxurious leather interior and a state-of-the-art BOSE sound system – a must for music lovers like Mark.
Importantly though, the new LEAF remains totally exempt from road tax and the costly London Congestion Charge thanks to its zero-emission electric motor.
Looking over his new car for the first time, a delighted Mark said: ‘I’ve loved every moment and every mile in my Nissan LEAF and so when I heard the second generation was on its way I signed up straight away.
‘I have a bit of an obsession with electric cars and I keep up with all the developments. When the LEAF was first launched it was far ahead of anything else on the market. The new model puts Nissan even further ahead of the competition. I can’t wait to start driving it.’
Incredibly proud
As a businessman living and working in London, running a LEAF saves Mark around £8,000 a year in congestion charge and parking payments. In addition business buyers can offset the purchase price of EVs against corporation tax and drivers currently pay no Benefit-In-Kind tax when a LEAF is used as a company car.
Nissan GB’s managing director, Jim Wright, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of the new Nissan LEAF and the fact it’s built right here in the UK, at our plant in Sunderland.
‘We believe new LEAF is streets ahead of the competition and are confident the array of improvements will make it even more practical than before, resulting in even more people switching to electric motoring.
‘The fact that Mark, who has been driving the first LEAF for two years, has come back for more is testament to the quality and appeal of the vehicle.’
- Our picture shows Nissan GB’s managing director Jim Wright, left, congratulating DJ Mark Goodier on the purchase of his new LEAF.