Nissan has continued its sweep of the awards ceremonies with the all-electric LEAF as it scoops the top prize in the World Car Awards.
The LEAF proved its worth by beating off competition from the new BMW 5 Series and Audi A8 in the final judging. Carlos Ghosn, Chairman of Nissan, said: "It is a great joy the world's first mass market electric vehicle has the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year."
Judges from Asia, Europe and North America decide the winner of World Car of the Year and they concluded of the LEAF: "The LEAF is a gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. The good news is it feels just like a normal car, only quieter."
Other awards went to the Ferrari 458 Italia as World Performance Car of the Year, while the Aston Martin Rapide picked up the gong for Design of the Year. Chevrolet's Volt ran the Nissan LEAF close on environmental credentials and took home the award for Green Car of the Year.