Nissan North America announced a new partnership in conjunction with the recent launch of “Innovation for Endurance,” a new integrated fitness program. Ryan Reynolds, an actor and environmental activist, comes to the program to support the Nissan LEAF, Nissan’s 100% electric vehicle recently named the “2011 World Car of the Year.”

Reynolds stars in the upcoming movie Green Lantern opening June 17 nationwide as well as the anticipated comedy The Change-Up opening August 5th. He is a Nissan LEAF owner and says it’s a personal statement for investing towards a greener lifestyle. He looks forward to driving past gas stations and only stopping to purchase gum in the first mass-marketed, zero-emissions electric vehicle.

“I believe it's possible to take great leaps forward without sacrificing a way of life. For me electric vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf, are not only representative of taking back the power, but also a significant statement about conscious ways of living,” said Reynolds.

His involvement with “Innovation for Endurance” will include digital and print creative, and videos for the “Innovation for Endurance” Facebook community page and the Nissan brand Facebook page. The pillars of the “Innovation for Endurance” program along with those who are globally conscious are the elite fitness enthusiast, athletes and coaches who share innovations in fitness, health, gear and training through on-site event appearances and blog posts. Ryan Reynolds joins program Innovators Ryan Hall, Olympian and fastest American marathoner; Tara Stiles, author of Slim Calm Sexy and founder of Strala Yoga; Levi Leipheimer, elite cyclist and three-time Tour of California champion; and Chris Carmichael, founder and CEO of Carmichael Training Systems, Inc. and coach to Lance Armstrong.

The program is one that is especially important to Nissan and is part of a fifth year partnership with Rodale, Inc., a recognized leader in fitness and publisher of Bicycling, Runner’s World and Running Times, all of which will feature editorial content from the campaign.

“We’re ecstatic to have Ryan Reynolds join us as the newest face in the ‘Innovation for Endurance’ program,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America Inc. “He believes in the Nissan LEAF and knows the important impact it will have on the environment and as an active individual, ‘Innovation for Endurance’ made sense as a program that supports initiatives Ryan already participates in.”