Nissan’s failed Olympic bid had a ‘60g/km’ CO2 target

AFTER losing out to BMW to supply vehicles for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Nissan has claimed that its fleet would have averaged 60g/km in CO2 – half the amount required by games organisers.

Britain’s Autocar has quoted a “senior Nissan source” who said the Japanese marque’s proposal had the lowest average emissions of all bidders and that the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) had taken a “backwards step” by failing to capitalise on the opportunity to develop the capital’s electric vehicle infrastructure.

LOCOG’s requirements were that its automotive partner’s fleet had a maximum CO2 emissions average of 120g/km.

“We have no issue with BMW getting the contract,” the Nissan source told Autocar. “But we feel the LOCOG have missed out here on a golden opportunity to kickstart a proper electric infrastructure in London.

“The Renault-Nissan fleet would have averaged 60g/km and would have provided the legacy they’re so keen to see with London.”

As GoAuto reported last week, Nissan took aim at LOCOG for failing to include a large number of EVs on the games fleet.

Overseas reports have indicated that more than half of Nissan-Renault’s fleet were to have been Leaf EVs, while LOCOG representatives were quoted as doubting London would have a suitable EV infrastructure to cope with a large number of EVs at the 2012 Olympics.

Left: Renault Fluence ZE Concept, and below Renault Twizy ZE Concept.

BMW last month was named the exclusive automotive sponsor for London’s ‘low carbon’ Olympics in a deal reportedly worth £30 million ($A54 million) to LOCOG.

New-generation electric vehicles and a host of other low-emissions cars will be part of the fleet of around 4000 vehicles that will be used to transport athletes, officials, media, LOCOG operational teams, and others.

As well as beating the 120g/km CO2 target – by an unspecified amount – BMW’s fleet will also meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

“Companies are recognising that there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of this and seeing the benefit,” said LOCOG chairman Sebastian Coe.

“We welcome BMW on board and look forward to working with them over the next three years. They have a vital role in keeping the games moving and ensuring those working at the games are where they need to be.”

BMW AG board member responsible for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, said: “Sustainability is a central pillar of our business and guides all aspects of our operations, so we have a natural affinity with London 2012.

“We see our partnership as a major opportunity, over the next three years and beyond, to focus attention on our range of the most fuel efficient premium cars – and also to shine a light on the future of individual mobility.

“This partnership will be an inspiration for our customers, employees, dealers and suppliers.”