Leaf tops COTY shortlist 02 | 11 | 2010

THE BRIGHT sparks of the 59-member panel who vote for the the European Car of the Year have included a pure electric car on the shortlist for the first time. The Nissan Leaf is one of the seven cars in the running for Europe's most prestigious automotive accolade.

On sale from the beginning of 2011 and due to be built in Sunderland from 2013, the Leaf joins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroen C3/DS3, Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60.

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Jim McGill