Nissan is showing the beefed up version of its hit Leaf electric car as the Japanese automaker seeks to distance itself from the arrest of its star executive Carlos Ghosn.
The unveiling Wednesday at Nissan Motor Co.’s headquarters had been postponed when Ghosn was arrested Nov. 19.
FILE – In this May 11, 2012, file photo, then Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Carlos Ghosn speaks during a press conference in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Nissan is showing the beefed up version of its hit Leaf electric car Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, as the Japanese automaker seeks to distance itself from the arrest of its star executive Ghosn. The event at Nissan Motor Co.’s Yokohama headquarters, southwest of Tokyo, had been postponed when Ghosn was arrested Nov. 19.(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)Ghosn has been charged with underreporting his income. Tokyo prosecutors have extended his detention through Friday, adding breach of trust allegations.
Ghosn made his first public appearance since his arrest Tuesday, and denied each allegation in the Tokyo District Court. The Leaf was among the achievements for Nissan that Ghosn highlighted in his statement to the judge.
The new 4.16 million yen ($38,000) Leaf e+ is about the same size as the model on sale, but gets more power and cruise range. The best-selling electric car competes against Tesla models and General Motors’ Bolt.