subject: Nissan Chicago News: Leaf given official price and a release schedule [print this page] Nissan Chicago News: Leaf given official price and a release schedule
Planning to turn over a new Leaf? Or should I say, waiting for a new Leaf to be turned over to you? Well customers in Europe won't have to wait long. Nissan has announced pricing and a release date for the Leaf.
The Leaf already has many reservations from customers in the U.S. who are waiting patiently. The European launch will be in three stages, with only one model produced for that market. The U.S. market, on the other hand, has two trim levels available. Nissan Chicago buyers will be glad to know that the Leaf sticker price will be lower in the U.S. than in Europe. Senior Vice President for sales and marketing in Europe Simon Thomas announced that the price of the Leaf in most European markets would be the equivalent of $36,878 after government incentives are applied.
The Leaf is priced less than the 2011 VW Golf and 2011 Toyota Prius, which are very comparable models. The Leaf will be available in December of this year in Portugal and the Netherlands, with right-hand models making their way to the U.K. and Ireland by February.
More than 10,000 customers has indicated an interest in buying the Leaf in Europe and those in Space, France, Italy and Demark will get the chance in June 2011. But reservations have not even begun yet, so those interested can place those beginning in July with a refundable deposit. Nissan will accept definite orders for European sales in October.
Used Nissan Maxima Libertyville customers who have investigated the Leaf and its energy efficiency have some idea of the anticipation that European customers must feel. Anticipation will no doubt build for these models-in-the-works as well. Nissan will produce more EV models, beginning with luxury brand Infinity. Another will be taken from the Land Glider concept displayed in Tokyo at the motor show. A third EV model has not been specified.
Thomas explained that Nissan worked on Leaf for four years before being able to put it on the market and believes most other companies are far behind on their EV technology and will not release such vehicles in time to be competitive with the Leaf. According to the dealers of Nissan Chicago drivers trust, they are just pleased that their company has the Leaf ready for market. Simon did not elaborate on how Nissan will handle the pre-purchase of the Leaf, but did hint that the company wants buyers who are ready for an EV and understand its difference from a gasoline car. He also stressed the importance of buyers knowing what the car could deliver, likely meaning speed and distance constraints.
The distance constraints will probably be more of a challenge in the U.S. market, where we tend to drive longer distances (because, hey, we're way bigger than all of Europe) and in most areas we don't have much, or any, choice in public transportation. Used Nissan Maxima Libertyville customers will still want to check out the Leaf for local driving.
