Nissan LEAF Earns top Safety Rating From Euro NCAP

ROLLE, Switzerland, May 25, 2011 -

- First 100% Electric Vehicle Ever Awarded Five Stars

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has
awarded the 100% electric Nissan LEAF the highest level of car safety
following its performance in the independent organization's stringent crash
tests. The zero-emission vehicle received a five-star rating, the first
electric vehicle ever to earn this distinction.

The reigning European and World Car of the Year earned an 89%
rating for adult safety, an 83% rating for child protection and an 84% rating
for its on-board safety assist systems, which include Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) and a speed limiter as standard. The compact family hatchback
also earned a higher-than-average 65% score for pedestrian safety, thanks in
part to the low nose design and the comparative lack of 'hard points' under
the bonnet.

"Nissan LEAF's performance in these tough safety tests
underlines the engineering integrity that has gone into the car and proves
that this innovative 100% electric vehicle is the perfect match for daily
family use. Not only does Nissan LEAF offer all the space, practicality and
performance of any of its conventional rivals, it is one of the safest cars
on the road," said Pierre Loing, vice president of product strategy &
planning at Nissan International SA, Nissan's headquarters in Europe, and
head of the company's zero emission business unit.

"Nissan LEAF proves that EVs can achieve the same safety
levels as traditional cars. The standard is now set for the next generation
of such cars on the European market," said Euro NCAP Secretary General
Michiel van Ratingen.

Nissan LEAF's safety assessment followed standard Euro NCAP
procedure, with tests for frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact and
whiplash. The car's 48 lithium-ion battery modules, which are housed in a
special compartment beneath the floor, completely withstood all the impacts.

In addition, the EV's battery system was switched on during
the crash simulations to test the in-built safety measures of the electrical
system, which includes automatic cut-off isolation in the event of an
accident. The car passed those with flying colours, too.

For the full release, go to:

www.newsroom.nissan-europe.com/EU/en-gb/Media/Media.aspx?mediaid=80850

    Contact:

    Mia Nielsen
    +33-1-72-67-66-44
    mnielsen@nissan-europe.com

    Matt Loader
    +44-1234-755083
    matt.loader@ntc-europe.co.uk

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