Nissan says that its all-electric Leaf has broken the 50,000-units-sold threshold, as the Japanese automaker looks accelerate demand with the start of US Leaf production in Tennessee this year.
Nissan has sold about 7,000 Leafs across Europe, where the EV is sold in 17 countries. About 19,500 of those Leafs were sold in the US in 2011 and 2012.
In all, Nissan Leaf drivers have put more than 260 million kilometers (162 million miles) on their cars, with one Japanese owner clocking in about 110,000 miles.
The company last month dropped the price of its 2013 Leaf by $6,400 to a base of $28,800. Nissan's January US Leaf sales fell 3.8 percent from a year earlier to just 650 units, as the company looked to unload its 2012 model-year inventory. Read Nissan's press release below.
Nissan LEAF Smashes 50,000 Global Sales Milestone
More than 50 000 units sold globally since launch in 2010
Nissan LEAF now sold across 17 countries in Europe
Globally Nissan LEAFs have done over 260m emission free kilometers
ROLLE, Switzerland – Today the 100% electric Nissan LEAF marked another milestone in the history of EVs as it passed the 50,000 sales mark, reinforcing its position as the best selling electric vehicle of all time.
The owners of Nissan LEAF around the world have now covered a total distance of more than 260 million km*, greater than the distance from the earth to the sun. All of these kilometers were covered with zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to government's efforts to reduce levels of harmful NOx and particulate matter in cities. The highest mileage LEAF globally has been revealed as a Japanese customer who has covered more than 175,000 km, in a car that has only been on sale for two years.
In 17 European countries, 7,000 cars are being driven every day, with one customer in Spain has already clocked up over 43,000 km in one year. This is far beyond an average annual mileage and the rapid build up of mileage is testament to the reliability of the award winning EV. This is further demonstrated by its extraordinary customer satisfaction rating of over 95%, the highest of any Nissan vehicle.
In the last 12 months Europe registered significant growth of the CHAdeMO quick charging infrastructure. The number of these chargers which allow batteries to be recharged from empty to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes has rocketed from 158 to 601 in the last 12 months. The plans already in place are to more than double by the end of this year the number of installed quick charging installations. These units are being installed at strategic locations such as shopping center car parks or highway service stations, allowing the 50,000 Nissan LEAF owners to push the electric vehicle revolution even further.
*Figures are based on all LEAFs registered with the Carwings telemetry system, which is not mandatory and not all vehicles are registered.
About the Nissan LEAF
The Nissan LEAF was the first mass produced EV winning the European, World and Japanese car of the year 2011. More than 50,000 units have been sold globally since its introduction in December 2010, making Nissan LEAF the world's most selling electric vehicle. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. Recharging from empty to 100% takes eight hours with a normal charger and just 30 minutes from empty to 80% using a quick charger in optimal conditions. Nissan LEAF has been awarded five stars in the tough Euro NCAP tests, making it one of the safest cars on the road. Nissan LEAF comes fully equipped with air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear-view parking camera. European production of the Nissan LEAF will start at Sunderland in 2013.
About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 695,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($US118.95 billion). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.
Articles Source : Autoblog
