Expansion Management

Nissan Scores Its First Fuel Cell Vehicle Commercial Lease

Nov. 25, 2009

Nissan's X-TRAIL Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) has graduated from a demonstration status to a full-lease status thanks to the Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc. Beginning with a one-year lease, and an option for two more, Coca-Cola will use the vehicle for sales calls and public events.

Nissan had used FCVs in demonstration fleets in Japan and in California through the California Fuel Cell Partnership.

The Nissan X-TRAIL FCV, based on the X-TRAIL SUV, is available in Mexico, Japan and Europe. It is fitted with a Nissan-developed compact fuel cell stack, a compact Lithium-ion battery and a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder. Versions of this generation X-TRAIL FCV are capable of speeds in excess of 95 miles per hour, with a cruising range of up to 300 miles.

The car is part of the company's Green Program 2010 which includes a range of eco-friendly technologies -- including electric vehicles, hybrid and improved internal combustion engines.

Nissan North America recently opened a new Fuel Cell Laboratory at the Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Mich. The new lab will support other global Nissan research centers and will work with suppliers and universities on various related fuel cell projects.

For more information on Nissan's program visit www.nissan-global.com/EN/ENVIRONMENT/GREENPROGRAM_2010

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.