2011 Nissan Leaf Gets Set for Main Street

Just the Facts: The first production Leaf in the U.S. goes to an unnamed Bay Area man.The man was the first person to process his order through Nissan's online system.Nissan says no celebrity cars will be delivered in the first batch.

FRANKLIN, Tennessee — Kickoff of deliveries of the electric 2011 Nissan Leaf is this Saturday. The first production Leaf in the U.S. goes to an unnamed Bay Area man who was the "very first person to process his order through our online ordering system," Nissan tells Inside Line on Tuesday.

When Inside Line asked whether any celebrities would be included in the first round of deliveries, Nissan spokesperson Katherine Zachary replied in an e-mailed message: "No celebs in the first delivery batch."

Earlier this fall, Tour de France legend and Nissan spokesman Lance Armstrong took delivery of a pre-production Leaf. Zachary describes that arrangement as a "long-term loan."

Zachary said the automaker will not disclose any information about the owner of the first production Leaf "other than to say Bay Area." She added: "San Diego follows, then Phoenix, then Portland, then Seattle, then Tennessee."

"These deliveries are the first of many," wrote Zachary. "A second shipment arrives to the U.S. in about two weeks, towards the end of December, and those vehicles are destined to consumers' driveways shortly thereafter."

The primary launches are taking place in communities where Nissan has formed partnerships that are designed to help communities become "EV Ready."

"EV Ready means permits and processes are in place that foster the development/eliminate the barriers to EV ownership," said Zachary. "[They] also help in the creation of an EV charging network."

Earlier, Nissan told Inside Line that the average Leaf buyer is a 45-year-old Baby Boomer who owns a Toyota Prius.

December 16 is also shaping up to be a critical day for the Leaf. That's the day when the three truck finalists and three car finalists will be announced in the race for 2011 North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year. The Leaf is on the short list of car candidates, which also includes the Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata/2.0T/Hybrid, Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Fiesta.

Inside Line says: And now we wait and see if the Leaf will become as ubiquitous as the Prius on American roads. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

View the original article here