Nissan: Made In America

Nissan LEAF Batteries To Create Jobs and Progess in America

The Nissan LEAF is doing more than just bringing zero emissions driving, it's creating jobs in America too.  Last month Nissan broke ground on a new project that will bring LEAF battery production to their Smyrna, TN plant.  

Full production begins in 2012 and is expected create approxiametely 1,300 new jobs.A zero emissions charge station for the Nissan LEAF

At 1.3 million square feet at full capacity he battery plant will be one of the largest in North America.  In order to expedite LEAF production, the battery plant will be placed next to the actual car plant.  All together, the plants will be capable of producing 150,000 electric cars annually.

"Production of Nissan LEAF and lithium-ion batteries in Smyrna brings the United States closer to its goal of energy independence, creates green jobs and helps sustain American manufacturing," said Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Nissan LEAF was recently unveiled to the public at a conference in Japan as we covered recently.  Check out a full video of Wall Street Journal's test drive of the LEAF here:

Approximately 13,000 U.S. consumers have placed a reservation for Nissan LEAF since reservations opened on April 20. The reservation process, which is open to the general public via NissanUsa.com, is the first step in securing a place on the list to purchase or lease Nissan LEAF.

Nissan LEAF begins rolling out to select markets in the United States, Japan and Europe in December, with increased availability beginning in spring 2011, and full market rollout in 2012.

When the LEAF hits Buffalo, West Herr Nissan in Orchard Park will be THE spot.  We can't wait to be the central spot for zero emissions driving in Western New York.