Nissan to expand US market of all-electric Leaf model

WASHINGTON: Nissan North America said Tuesday it was expanding the availability of the all-electric Nissan Leaf to more US outlets and raising the price for the 2012 model.

Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said the Leaf will be available this fall in 10 additional states mostly in the southeast but also in Illinois.

"Many enthusiastic consumers have eagerly anticipated ordering a Nissan Leaf of their own, and now we can make zero-emissions mobility a reality in more markets," Carolin said.

Nissan will push the suggested retail price for the 2012 model up about three percent to $35,200-$37,250, depending on the trim.

"The features that customers want most will come standard on the 2012 Nissan Leaf -- including quick charging and cold-weather features," he said.

The Leaf is already on sale in seven states.

While deliveries have been slowed by earthquake-related disruptions of production in Japan, more than 4,000 of the Leafs, have been delivered to US customers so far this year.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011