Nissan opens LEAF reservations to general public, 9,500 reservations taken so far

2011 Nissan LEAF

Nissan announced today that it is opening reservations for the LEAF electric-vehicle to the general public tomorrow (May 15). The reservation process, which was only open to the 115,000 registrants at first, is the first step in securing a purchase or lease on the Nissan LEAF.

Nissan said that it received more than 9,5000 reservations during its priority window.

“After the start of priority reservations, interest in the Nissan LEAF only has continued to grow,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales & marketing, NNA. “Consumers clearly are recognizing the benefits of zero emissions and the value proposition the Nissan LEAF offers.”

The Nissan LEAF will be widely available in 2011. Prices for the 2011 Nissan LEAF will start at $32,780 but with a federal tax-credit prices will come in as low as $25,280, or for a lease payment of $349 a month.

Click here for more news on the Nissan Leaf.

Refresher: Power for the Nissan Leaf comes from a 107-hp electric-motor that runs on power supplied by lithium-ion cells. On a full-charge, the Nissan Leaf allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 87 mph. A full charge takes up to 8 hours on a standard 200V outlet. Buyers can opt for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

2011 Nissan Leaf:

2010 Nissan LEAF EV 2010 Nissan LEAF EV 2010 Nissan LEAF EV 2010 Nissan LEAF EV

Press Release:

NISSAN OPENS LEAF RESERVATIONS TO GENERAL PUBLIC
– 9,500 consumers sign up during priority reservation window –

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) is opening reservations for the Nissan LEAF zero-emission, all-electric vehicle on May 15 to the general public. The reservation process is a first step in securing a place on the list to purchase or lease a Nissan LEAF.

Nissan offered priority reservations beginning April 20 to select customers who had registered for ongoing communications on the Nissan LEAF via NissanUSA.com. More than 9,500 consumers placed a reservation during this priority window.

The Nissan LEAF begins rolling out to select markets in December, with increased availability beginning in spring 2011, and full market rollout in 2012. Consumers who have made reservations will be sequenced in order for their particular market.

RESERVATIONS

* Through the Nissan LEAF website via NissanUSA.com, the customer will create an account, configure his or her vehicle, and answer questions to complete a driving profile.
* Consumers will be asked to pay a fully refundable $99 reservation fee by credit card.
* After placing a reservation, a customer will be able to indicate a preferred dealer.
* Consumers who reserve a Nissan LEAF will receive confirmation numbers. Nissan will provide individual updates for their reservations by June 30.
* Reservations are limited to one per household.
* Consumer inquiries about the reservation process can be answered at the Nissan LEAF call center, 1-877-664-2738.

Including the maximum $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer”s after-tax net value of the vehicle could be as low as $25,280. The Manufacturer”s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs, and increase the benefits, for owning and charging a Nissan LEAF. For example, a $5,000 clean-vehicle rebate is offered in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California. The lease price for the Nissan LEAF begins at $349 per month.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

– By: Kap Shah