Nissan and Renault joined forces with the government of Portugal in an effort to sell electric vehicles in the country by 2011, as well as to create a national network of charging stations, the Associated Press reports. "This agreement with Renault-Nissan will place Portugal also on the front line in terms of sustainable mobility with zero-emission vehicles," Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates said. "Promoting electric cars in Portugal will reduce our dependence on imported oil and will contribute to a cleaner environment."

The report said that on Wednesday, Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of the French and Japanese automakers, and Socrates said they would "work together to raise awareness about the vehicles and try to make them easier to fuel." The promise to sell all-electric vehicles is a marked contrast to other prominent automakers that are focusing on hybrids, clean diesels, and fuel cell-powered cars. (Pictured: Nissan Mixim concept)