The 2011 New York Auto Show is full of concepts, the newest production cars available to consumers and awards. One of the coveted awards during the New York Auto Show is the World Car of the Year. Cars in the running included the BMW 5-Series and Audi A8, but the prevailing winner was the eco-friendly, zero emission Nissan LEAF. This is another in a line of important awards for Nissan including the 2011 European Car of the Year award.

Whenever a car is given an award the first thing people normally want to know is why—or rather what was better about it than the other competitors. The jurors, a group of people comprised of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America, has this to say about the LEAF and the 2011 World Car of the Year Award:

“The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.”

Of course, Nissan wasn’t going to be left with out getting a comment in on this action. Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn had this to say about the LEAF and the award:

“This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.”

If you are still waiting for a Nissan LEAF to rollout to your market around the world then you will be pleased to know that other global markets will be launched in 2012. Manufacturing will begin in the U.S. and UK in late 2012 and early 2013. Stay tuned for more from the 2011 New York Auto Show right here at AllSmallCars.com.

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[Source: Carscoop]