Nissan Delivers Arizona's First 100% Electric Nissan LEAF to Phoenix Consumer

PHOENIX, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of the world's first two Nissan LEAF deliveries in the state of California, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) brings sustainable mobility to Arizona with the state's first delivery of the all-electric Nissan LEAF. Amir Seif of Phoenix is taking delivery of his blue Nissan LEAF SL at ABC Nissan. This groundbreaking moment represents the state's first delivery of an affordable, mass-market, all-electric car.

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Seif, 51, was born in Tehran, Iran, and moved to Arizona 32 years ago. He received a PhD in BioEngineering from Arizona State University. Married with four children, Seif is the inventor of LiteGait and founder of Tempe-based Mobility Research, a role that has him traveling extensively, lecturing to physical therapists at rehabilitation facilities.

"Electricity is the new fuel for cars, and the Nissan LEAF has the potential to transform the automotive industry and the way people drive," said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. "Starting today, drivers in Arizona have the freedom to choose a future that produces zero tailpipe emissions, moves away from our dependence on fossil fuels, and represents the end of trips to the gas station. This Nissan LEAF delivery signifies the dawn of a movement that brings sustainable mobility to within our grasp."

The delivery of these first Nissan LEAFs also marks a milestone for The EV Project, a research and charging infrastructure deployment project funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by electric vehicle (EV) charging company ECOtality. Seif's Nissan LEAF is the first in the state, home of ECOtality operations, to participate in The EV Project, the largest infrastructure deployment project ever undertaken.

"ECOtality is committed to supporting the launch of electric vehicles, and is providing residential chargers to Nissan LEAF drivers and EV Project participants," said Jonathan Read, president and CEO, ECOtality. "We are excited to support the electrification of streets and neighborhoods nationwide, and are focused on building a rich public charging infrastructure that allows drivers to charge not only where they live, but where they eat, work and play."

In Arizona, Nissan has formed partnerships with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and the Pima Association of Governments to foster the development of electric vehicle-friendly policies and an EV-charging infrastructure. The EV Project will link the Phoenix and Tucson regions through the establishment of a charging corridor.

"The delivery of the Valley's first LEAF represents a major step in the introduction of all-electric vehicle technology into our region," said MAG chair Thomas Schoaf, mayor of Litchfield Park. "MAG has been at the forefront in cultivating an environment that is friendly to electric vehicles by facilitating the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure."

The Arizona delivery is part of more than a week of festivities, as Nissan delivers the first Nissan LEAF vehicles to each of its primary launch markets in Northern and Southern California, Arizona, Oregon, Seattle and Tennessee. Nissan also is donating $25,000 to the World Wildlife Fund to mark the occasion.

The initial Nissan LEAF deliveries will be followed by a second shipment of Nissan LEAF electric cars scheduled to arrive on Dec. 20, and destined for consumer driveways in time for the holidays. Nissan is on track for a nationwide launch of the Nissan LEAF by 2012, with Hawaii and Texas next to roll out in early 2011. In order to fulfill interest and meet demand in initial launch markets, Nissan plans to reopen reservations in the first half of 2011 as well as shift timing of additional markets until the second half of 2011.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

SOURCE Nissan North America