Nissan not giving up on government Leaf sales

The distributor of the only production pure-EV available in the country – the Nissan Leaf – says it is not giving up on the potential for it to be sold to government departments.

The brand – and thusly the vehicle – was not listed in last week’s announcement of the ‘All of Government’ vehicle supply agreement.

That is despite strong statements by transport and energy minister Simon Bridges in recent months that New Zealand is one of the best-prepared countries for electric vehicles in the world.

Nissan New Zealand managing director John Manley tells AutoTalk the company has not given up hope of joining the contract or making a deal on the availability of the Leaf to government departments.

“I am not sure if this is a forlorn hope, but certainly we are in regular touch,” he says.

“It is a good car for anyone in the city to have in their fleet,” Manley says. “Especially when you have agencies that are promoting sustainability and a low carbon footprint.”

Manley notes that there has been a lack of cohesion in the message coming from government on electric vehicles, with strong messages of support on the likes of Bridges and Steven Joyce, but no action in other areas.

AutoTalk understands the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority had been concerned about the lack of a full electric option, and in a statement by transport general manager Liz Yeaman, the agency indicates it hopes more can be added in time.

“MBIE have also advised catalogue refreshes over the life of the AoG vehicles contract will allow for the addition of hybrids and electric vehicles in the future as demand and technology develops,” Yeaman says.

The agency is pleased that for the first time a plug-in vehicle is included – the hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

“EECA is working with the Ministry of Transport and MBIE to identify options to promote increased demand for electric vehicles by government agencies,” Yeaman says.

“We will continue to try to influence fleet buyers, including those in the wider public sector, as EVs can be a cost effective option for those fleets with high mileage.”

EECA had a representative on the cross-government advisory group that worked with MBIE on the establishment of the contract.