Nissan Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Innovation Through Environmental Education Program

FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that kids are often the most effective at creating change, Nissan North America, Inc. is launching an in-class and online educational outreach initiative called "Choose Zero" in elementary and middle schools this month. The curriculum, which features the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF, is designed to empower kids to make and advocate for changes that reduce carbon emissions in their homes, schools and communities.  Developed in partnership with Kaleidoscope Youth Marketing, the initiative is rolling out to 2.5 million students in 7,500 schools across the United States.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/NISSANWORDMARKLOGO )

"Nissan is committed to empowering people of all ages – including children – to make changes that reduce carbon emissions," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. "We are excited to bring environmental advocacy into classrooms through valuable resources for teachers, parents and the students while also educating them on the Nissan LEAF technology and environmental benefits."

The program targets third through eighth grade students, along with their teachers and parents, in the seven Nissan LEAF launch markets: the states of Washington, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.

Educators are receiving tools and content focusing on science, technology, engineering and math through the teacher-targeted website http://teach.choosezero.com/. Curriculum experts from Cross-Curricular Connections (C3) and a panel of teachers from Chicago's Math and Science Academy contribute to make in-class and take-home lessons that are standards-based and age appropriate.

The central online hub for the environmental education program is www.choosezero.com, which gives kids a fun, educational journey to see how their choices change everything. Interactive videos, state-specific facts and tips for an eco-conscious lifestyle also are featured.

Additionally, the program's website offers parents and teachers the opportunity to sign up online for a chance to win a three-year lease on a Nissan LEAF. The sweepstakes runs until May 31, and parents and teachers can enter daily. There will be two parent winners and two teacher winners nationwide.

The Nissan LEAF is the world's first affordable, all-electric car designed for the mass market. Launched in the United Sates, Japan and Europe in December 2010, the Nissan LEAF has a tested all-electric range of 100 miles, produces zero tailpipe emissions and doesn't take a drop of gas.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope Youth Marketing is the premier youth and family marketing agency for the Omnicom Group.  Specialists in education and cause marketing, Kaleidoscope works with Fortune 500 Companies to provide resources and support for community channels such as: K-12 schools, daycares, colleges, youth sports, camps, and community centers.   Through peer-based channels, Kaleidoscope connects brands with youth and parents, decision-makers and community influencers.

SOURCE Nissan North America