THE electric Nissan Leaf, which will be built in Sunderland from 2013, received Europe’s most high-profile motoring award on Monday night.

The Japanese car maker’s president, Carlos Ghosn, was presented with the European Car of the Year 2011 trophy at a ceremony in Paris.

Leaf was named 2011 European Car of the Year in November, before the first car even hit the road.

It was the first electric vehicle to be shortlisted for the award and its success makes Nissan the first Japanese manufacturer to notch up a double.

The Sunderland-built Micra became the first Japanese car to be crowned Car of the Year in 1993.

Speaking at this week’s ceremony, Hakan Matson, president of the voting jury, said: “I am convinced that we will see other electric cars named car of the year in the future.

“But when we do, we must always remember that only one can be the first.

“That is why Nissan Leaf Car of the Year 2011 is – and will remain – so very special.”

Mr Ghosn said: “It is a great honour for Nissan Leaf to be recognised as the European Car of the Year – the first all-electric car to receive this distinction.”

Fifty-eight motoring journalists from 23 European countries placed Nissan Leaf ahead of six conventional new cars on the shortlist.