PHOENIX, April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan (Nasdaq: NSANY) and Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), which represents the Phoenix metropolitan region, are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

ECOtality Inc., a Scottsdale, Ariz., clean electric transportation and storage technologies company, also will participate in the partnership by working to facilitate the process of helping make the Phoenix Metro Area EV-ready. Nissan previously announced a partnership with ECOtality and the Pima Association of Governments, in the Tucson, Ariz., area, to promote a charging network infrastructure. The expansion of this partnership will work towards the implementation of an EV charging corridor, connecting the Phoenix and Tucson Metro areas.

Nissan will introduce zero-emission vehicles in the United States in 2010 and will mass market them globally two years later. The announcement coincides with the Phoenix stop on a coast-to-coast tour of Nissan's EV Prototype, a vehicle that's powered by Nissan's lithium-ion battery pack and zero-emission electric motor. While this vehicle does not represent the design of Nissan's electric vehicle that will be sold in 2010, the EV Prototype is an indicator of what's to come in zero-emission mobility.

"Nissan through the Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles," said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America. "Nissan, the Maricopa Association of Governments, and ECOtality share in the belief that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles is one of the best solutions to reducing CO2 emissions. This partnership is an important step in making zero emissions a reality in Arizona."

The partnership supports the goals of the MAG Regional Council, which voted to support efforts to develop a universal electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support plug-in vehicles.

"This partnership with Nissan and ECOtality enables us to consider strategic initiatives to support the introduction of electric vehicles in our region and to encourage individuals to incorporate green technology into their lives," said MAG Chair Peggy Neely, a Phoenix councilwoman. "Our goal is to work to develop regional policies that improve the quality of life in our region."

As part of the agreement, Nissan and ECOtality will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for EVs. MAG will provide a forum for Nissan and ECOtality to promote the deployment, operation and maintenance of the charging network. ECOtality will support the efforts of Nissan, MAG, utilities and other agencies to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline the deployment of an EV infrastructure.

"ECOtality's proven EV infrastructure experience, our strong familiarity with Arizona, as well as our industry-leading fast-charge technology, positions ECOtality to facilitate the rollout of the EV infrastructure throughout Arizona," said Jonathan Read, president and CEO ECOtality. "We look forward to working closely with the appropriate organizations in Arizona to ensure the implementation of charging infrastructure is done as efficiently and intelligently as possible."

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the UK, France, Switzerland and Ireland. In the United States, the Alliance is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an EV infrastructure in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County and San Diego in California, and Tucson, Arizona.

Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infinitiusa.com.

Renault-Nissan Alliance

The Renault-Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6,160,046 vehicles in 2007. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world's top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability.

Maricopa Association of Governments

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a regional organization providing planning and policy decisions in the areas of transportation, air quality, water quality, solid waste and human services. MAG is composed of Valley communities working together to ensure a better quality of life for nearly four million residents in the Maricopa region. The region includes the cities, towns and Native American Indian Communities within Maricopa County. Governed by a Regional Council that includes 25 mayors and other lead elected officials, MAG is the forum for effective regional planning throughout the region.

ECOtality, Inc.

ECOtality, Inc. (OTCBB: ETLY), headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies. Through innovation, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, ECOtality accelerates the market applicability of advanced electric technologies to replace carbon-based fuels. For more information about ECOtality, Inc., please visit www.ecotality.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America, Inc.

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