THE Bupa Great North Run will be led this Sunday by the 100 per cent 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 per cent electric Nissan LEAF cars, which will lead 55,000 runners over the Tyne Bridge and along the 13-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.
The car 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.’
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.
A great opportunity
‘This is a great example of how we can all work together to help improve the environment and the quality of the air we breathe.’
Colin Pybus, Benfield Nissan’s Regional Director, said: ‘This is a great opportunity to showcase the benefits of the 100 per cent 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.’
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.