| What: | Media event to launch new °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ¿â Davis study of consumer response to Nissan Hypermini city electric vehicles (CEVs) |
| When: | 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 |
| Who: | Officials and researchers from , Nissan Technical Center North America and the city of Davis |
| Where: | Central Park, downtown Davis |
| Visuals: | We'll have at least 10 brightly colored, futuristic-looking Nissan Hypermini CEVs on hand for photographs. Informational displays will be set up. After official comments between 10:15 a.m. and 10:35 a.m., media will be able to interview researchers and officials and to ride in and drive the cars. (To see a photo of the Hypermini, go to or .) |
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Background:
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Automakers are designing and building cars that produce less pollution and reduce dependence on oil. The cleanest alternative-fuel vehicle is powered solely by electricity and has zero emissions. Automaker Nissan has developed the Hypermini, an all-electric vehicle designed to carry two people comfortably around town. On Nov. 7, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ¿â Davis' Institute of Transportation Studies, a global leader in helping industry and policy-makers plan the transportation future, begins a research project to examine the markets for CEVs such as the Hypermini. During the one-year study, dozens of people will use the Hypermini cars for work trips around the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ¿â Davis campus and city of Davis. Those drivers will assess the cars on criteria such as interior space; speed and range; usefulness compared with other options such as walking, cycling or driving a conventional vehicle; and safety perceptions. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ¿â Davis researchers will also assess whether vehicles such as these stimulate discussions in the community about issues such as air quality, climate change and energy supplies, and the role individuals and communities can play in resolving them. |
| Note: | Study drivers have already been identified. °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ¿â Davis is not recruiting more. |
| Directions and Parking: |
Central Park is the site of the weekly Davis Farmers' Market. It lies in downtown Davis between B and C streets and Third and Fifth streets. Our event will take place at the Third Street end of the park. Parking is available on C Street. Driving directions: Take Interstate 80 to the Richards Boulevard exit. Take Richards into downtown Davis. Past the railroad undercrossing, Richards becomes E Street. Stay on E to Third Street. Turn left onto Third and travel to C Street. Turn right onto C. Look for the event site on your left. |
Media Resources
Ken Kurani, ITS-Davis, (530) 752-6500, access@foothill.net
Fred Standish, Nissan, (248) 488-4227