Nissan was crowned the low-carbon car king at an awards ceremony which saw a double win for the company, continuing the success for its multi-award winning LEAF 100% electric vehicle.

The manufacturer was named Low Carbon Car/Van Manufacturer of the Year at the LowCVP Low Carbon Champions Awards ceremony held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in central London – the top award of the night.

The judges said that Nissan has been at the forefront of EV and battery technology development which culminated in the launch of the ground-breaking fully electric Nissan LEAF in March 2011.

The judges referred to Nissan ‘as a leader in the electrification of transport’ as well as applauding the car company on its innovative technology and its extensive activity and partnerships. The judges acknowledged that the company’s effort had helped place electric vehicles firmly in the minds of the motoring public as well as ensuring a network of charging and servicing points, thereby making the transition to electric motorist as seamless as possible for both consumers and company car drivers.

Nissan also received the Outstanding Achievement in Low Carbon Transport award for its overall undisputed achievement across the full range of activities to encourage the shift to decarbonised motoring.

The LowCVP Low Carbon Champions Awards recognise best practice from vehicle manufacturing and fleet operations to the development of products and services that reduce greenhouse gases from road transport operations. Nissan beat off tough opposition – a total of 44 companies and organisations shortlisted – throughout the rigorous judging process.

These accolades are the latest in a long line of awards the Nissan LEAF has picked up this year including the Ultra Low Carbon Award in the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2011.

Jim Wright, managing director at Nissan Motor (GB) said: “These latest awards reflect the industry’s confidence in the Nissan LEAF, its innovative technology, quality build, durability and appeal to the motorist. We blazed a trail with the LEAF and our inherent belief that we were creating a vehicle that could help move us towards no-carbon driving has paid off for us as a company, for the motorist and ultimately for the environment. We are delighted that our foresight and vision continues to be recognised.”