Christchurch City Council is the first Council in New Zealand to commit to understanding the infrastructure that may be needed for electric vehicle technology, Mayor Bob Parker announced today.

Christchurch City Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Renault-Nissan Alliance to bring together a group of experts to investigate what needs to be done to facilitate an early introduction of electric vehicles in Christchurch.

Mayor Bob Parker says "We are proud to work with Nissan to understand if electric vehicles can become successfully launched in New Zealand."

"As part of the Christchurch City Council's Energy Strategy, this initiative complements the other work we are doing to create a more sustainable future for Christchurch. We are pleased to be taking action to explore and support the benefits of developing electric vehicle technology to ensure Christchurch has a sustainable future" Mayor Parker says.

"Nissan is proud to partner with Christchurch City Council through the signing of this MoU" said John Manley Managing Director of Nissan New Zealand. "Technology for zero emissions mobility is a reality and we are prepared to proactively explore ways to bringing this technology to the market in Christchurch with collaboration from the City Council"

"Our company is leading the world in design and production of a battery powered family- sized car and we aim to have this vehicle on sale in New Zealand by 2012. The announcement of the signing of a strategic MoU with the Christchurch City Council brings that reality closer in Christchurch" Manley continued. "The Nissan organization recognizes the importance of sustainability by limiting CO2 emissions and we are ready to partner local bodies in pursuing that role".