2008 Paris Auto Show: Nissan Nuvu Concept to Make World Debut

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TOKYO — Nissan will show off a futuristic electric vehicle with 2+1 seating at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The Japanese automaker on Friday released some details about the concept, dubbed the Nissan Nuvu, but hastened to add that this is "not" the production-ready electric vehicle that will go on sale in North America in 2010.

"Nissan has already announced that it will present a production-ready EV at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, with sales due to start in Japan and North America in 2010," the automaker said in a statement. "While Nuvu is not that car, it does share some of the technology that will feature in the planned production vehicle."

Nissan has not yet made images of the Nuvu available. It says Nuvu means "new view of the type of car we will be driving in the middle of the next decade."

The electric vehicle features an all-glass roof with a dozen small solar panels shaped like leaves on the branch. Nissan said the power they generate feeds the battery using a so-called "tree trunk" within the car as a conduit. Natural, organic and recycled materials are used throughout the cabin.

The Nuvu, which is 118.1 inches long, has two conventional seats and a third "occasional chair" that can be folded down.

What this means to you: The Nissan Nuvu promises to be one to watch in Paris. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent