Master The Shift with Nissan

New Campaign Aims To Improve Consumer Health and Well Being

"After more than 100 years of automotive history, it’s time for something radically new."  A bold statement by Nissan, but the automaker is aiming high.  

To prepare for the launch of the Nissan LEAF, Nissan has launched their "Master The Shift" campaign aimed to improve consumers' general lives.  "Master The Shift" offers a series of health and general life tips from cyclist Lance Armstrong, marathon runner Ryan Hall, and yoga expert Tara Stiles.

"Shift the way you move. For Nissan, it means rethinking the ordinary, pushing the boundaries, exceeding expectations and anticipating the needs of an ever-changing planet," reads the campaign's mission statement.  

Visitors to Mastertheshift.com or Facebook.com/mastertheshift can watch Yoga routines with Stiles, get workout tips from Armstrong or stretching tips from Hall, plus much more.  Here is a sample video from Lance Armstrong offering strength and conditioning tips:

The campaign is meant to mirror the philosophies behind Nissan's creation of the LEAF, the first ever zero emissions car for mass production that will be launched later this year.  We've covered the LEAF extensively but for a quick refresher click here.  

"Like the Nissan LEAF™, these three athletes are breaking new ground and redefining the world around them," Nissan said.  

All visitors to the various sites can register to win a Nissan LEAF and other prizes including a Panasonic camera.  Visit either site to learn more on how you can Shift your life today:

facebook.com/mastertheshift

http://mastertheshift.com/

To learn more about zero emissions driving in Buffalo, be sure to visit West Herr Nissan in Orchard Park in person or online today.  

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. 

Nissan LEAF: The "New Car" Experience

Nissan Officially Debuts LEAF Zero Emissions Car

Zero emissions is getting closer.  Nissan unveiled the LEAF last week to media members and shareholders at their Oppama test track in Yokohama, Japan.  The LEAF is on display until June 19th wth new details being revealed by the day.  Revisit our original post on the LEAF here.

A breakdown of the sound alert system on the Nissan LEAFThe most noteworthy new feature so far is the revolutionary "Approaching Sound For Pedestrians" system.  Essentially a sound is emitted for pedestrians to hear when the car is approaching.  The sound will adjust based on the vehicle's speed.  There is also a back up sound and a sound that indicates when the car is on and ready for move.  The reason for this is that the car is otherwise quiet.

"Having tested a few electric cars ourselves, drivers are sure to appreciate the start-up sound that lets them know their car is ready to go," Autoguide.com said of the start up sound feature.  Nissan promises the sound will not distract the driver, ensuring safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. 

The sounds will come from a speaker in the engine compartment. The driver will have the option to turn the sound off temporarily, but it will automatically be set to "on" each time the vehicle starts up.  Nissan says the system is designed to shut off automatically at speeds beyond 30 km/h (18.6 mph) and come back on at speeds of 25 km/h (15.5 mph)

Nissan LEAF will be on sale in Japan, the United States, Portugal and the Netherlands starting in December and in the United Kingdom and Ireland starting February 2011. Nissan plans to begin mass marketing Nissan LEAF in 2012.

West Herr is beyond excited for the first zero emissions car to be in Buffalo.  West Herr Nissan in Orchard Park will be ready for the official LEAF launch. Visit us for more information today and stay tuned to Westherr.com for more information. 

First Ever Zero Emissions Car In Buffalo

Buffalo Nissan Dealer Going Green

Nissan recently announced the purchase details for the LEAF, the world's first all-electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market.  West Herr Nissan is already excited to bring zero-emission driving to the Buffalo area. 

"We want everyone to feel good about having a car that is affordable, fun to drive and good for the environment," said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas.

The LEAF offers a sleek and practical design. The battery is located under the seats for the ultimate safety in case of a collision.  The charging station resembles a traditional gas tank but requires no liquids and emits no fumes.

Home charging devices will be available and plans are in place to construct charging infrastructure across the country, with San Francisco being one of the first cities on board.  Learn more about the charging process with this video from Nissan. 

The LEAF will have a range of 100 miles per charge under average, everyday driving conditions.   Nissan announced that AeroVironment will supply and install home charging stations for the LEAF, creating a one-stop shop for the Nissan LEAF and its charging equipment.

There will be a special reservation procedure needed for purchase.  Right now, customers can pre-register online for breaking news related to the LEAF.  So far more than 50,000 people have registered. 

In April, Nissan will announce pricing details and start taking refundable $100 reservations.  In August they will start taking firm orders for delivery, with expected delivery dates in December. Full mass production begins in 2012.  

The LEAF holds up to 5 passengers and promises 100% torque at 0 RPMs, rare for such a car.  In terms of performance, it will handle like a V6 car and has a top speed of up to 90 mph.

For travelers, the LEAF features a standard 12V automotive power outlet for laptops or other devices.  Nissan plans to use a a cellular-type network for navigation purposes.

With the LEAF still on the Horizon, West Herr Nissan is offering great deals on our current stock to the Buffalo area.  The 2010 Rogue SL is now available at our Orchard Park location with special Nissan rebates and low APR finance rates. 

The Rogue recently won the 2010 Consumers Digest Automotive Best Buy award.