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Renault, Nissan sell 100 000 EVs

French automaker Renault and its Japanese partner Nissan announced that the group had sold 100 000 electric vehicles.

Over 71 000 people globally have purchased a Nissan Leaf, a pure electric, five-door hatchback, the alliance said in a statement.

Renault meanwhile sold about 30 000 electric vehicles, including its Kangoo ZE van, two-seat Twizy, Zoe and the Fluence ZE sedan.

'AGE OF THE MAINSTREAM ZERO-EMISSIONS VEHICLE'

The 100 000th customer was an American student who bought a Leaf for her commute to college in Atlanta, Georgia. The US was the top market for the Leaf, the world's best-selling electric car.

Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said: "The age of mainstream zero-emissions vehicle is here.

"We expect demand to keep growing as the charging infrastructure develops - and we remain 100% committed to zero-emission technology for the long term."

Renault has invested more in electric car technology than any other manufacturer but consumers have been skittish about the models, put off by the limited battery life of the vehicles and the shortage of recharging points.

The French government, which offers rebates on the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles, is pressing local authorities to build more charging stations.

Renault and Nissan entered a strategic alliance in 1999. Under the pact, Renault owns 43% of Nissan, which in turn holds 15% of Renault shares.
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