Car of the Year announced and it’s not a BMW, | Tech News

Throughout the 12 months, totally different motoring publications and our bodies have their Car of the Year awards. At these occasions, they determine which of the automobiles on sale in every class is the best. However, at the finish of all of it, there is only one car that comes out on high as that publication’s car of the 12 months winner, regardless of which class it matches into.

The newest publication to announce the winners of their car of the 12 months awards is Auto Express. The car that has received the coveted title is a car that was not too long ago in comparison with a model new Ferrari. The vehicle in query is the Nissan Leaf, an electric SUV constructed by the Japanese producer. The car, which appeared in its unique kind in the early 2010s, was one of the first all electric hatchbacks to hit the market.

Now, in its newest technology, an SUV, it has been voted by Auto Express as their car of the 12 months for 2026. Writing about why it was their winner, they stated: “The one new car to rule them all is the Nissan Leaf.

“Its victory is simple in essence: the Leaf is a car that will make owners blissfully happy, because its mission is to prioritise their needs and well-being. It is an outstanding family EV, with class-leading or highly competitive performance in every key measure.”

They praised the Leaf’s vary, its high quality, its affordability, usability, and how it was as an general bundle. However, the car wasn’t with out its faults. Auto Express defined: “The haptic air-con switches are a bit indistinct and the transmission selector needs a quality upgrade, mind you.”

As properly as profitable the general car of the 12 months class, the Nissan Leaf additionally received an award for being the Small Company Car of the Year for 2026. Meanwhile the Leaf has been complimented with comparisons to the model new Ferrari Luce, due to the pair’s visible similarities.

This isn’t the solely event Nissan has been in the information not too long ago after it struck a deal with Chinese car producer Chery. This deal permits the Chinese producer to make use of spare manufacturing capability at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland in Tyne and Wear.

The settlement will see Nissan manufacture automobiles for Chery, that additionally owns fellow Chinese manufacturers Jaecoo and Omoda, from 2027.

Whilst non-binding when the deal was announced in early June, Nissan chairperson Massimiliano Messina stated: “We are looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.”

A spokesperson for Chery stated the association was half of an “ongoing evaluation of future opportunities in the UK market”, while Unite the Union’s national officer for automotive Steve Bush welcomed the transfer, he stated: “Chinese vehicles are increasingly visible on British roads, so it makes sense for UK workers to build them here as well.”