A Grand Debut and Now Second Shipment of First All- Electric Nissan LEAF

Nissan, the renowned automaker and the champion of sustainable mobility created history with the introduction of its all-electric car Nissan LEAF on the California roads. 

With Nissan presenting world’s first all-electric vehicle, affordable, sustainable mobility at last comes to the mass market. In a press release, the officials at Nissan North America Inc. (NNA) informed that Olivier Chalouhi, a San Francisco Bay Area resident and the first person in the United States to place a Nissan LEAF order, will be the first person to take home a brand new black Nissan LEAF SL.The delivery was followed by a press conference at San Francisco City Hall Plaza.

The Californians of course did not let the event pass by without a proper celebration. The launch of Nissa LEAF at San Francisco Bay Area kicked off more than a week of festivities. It will be worthwhile to mention here that Nissan delivered the first Nissan LEAF vehicles to each of its primary launch markets in Southern California, Arizona, Oregon, Seattle and Tennessee. On its part, Nissan is marking the ocassion by donating $25,000 to the World Wildlife Fund.

With the purchase of Nissan Leaf, Chalouhi, a 31-year-old entrepreneur, becomes a vital part of this crucial chapter in the automotive evolution. Chalouhi is the founder and CTO of  Fanhattan, a venture-backed stealth start-up in the connected TV space. He currently lives in Redwood City, Calif, with his wife, Jana, and their two children. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the French Aeronautical and Space School. An ardent, environmentalist by action, the man used to commit to work on an electric bicycle before purchasing his Nissan LEAF.

“Electricity is the new fuel for cars, and the Nissan LEAF has the potential to transform the automotive industry and the way people drive. Starting today, drivers 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 is the first of thousands and signifies the dawn of a movement that brings sustainable mobility to within our grasp,” Chairman of Nissan Americas Carlos Tavares commented in a statement.

In the press release, San Francisco Mayo, Gavin Newsom, said, “San Francisco is committed to make the Bay Area the top EV market in America, and the fact that San Francisco is the number one market in the nation for Nissan LEAF ownership reservations is proof we're on our way. We are proud that Bay Area resident is the very first owner of a LEAF, anywhere in the world. We congratulate Olivier Chalouhi and the thousands of other Bay Area residents who soon will be driving electric cars, leading the way to climate friendly transportation.”

For record, Nissan has already forged partnership in local, regional and state levels in its first markets along with utilities to foster the development of electric vehicle-friendly policies and an EV-charging infrastructure.

Here is more information for the electric car enthusiasts:

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. A nationwide launch of the Nissan LEAF is expected 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.

Few months back, TMCnet reported that Nissan North America, Inc., has selected GuidePoint Systems for its GPS-based vehicle tracking and recovery solution. In a press release, founder and CEO of Guidepoint, Rand Mueller, said, “Location-based services using the pinpoint accuracy of GPS are gaining in popularity, and we're excited to be working with Nissan to offer this very unique safety, security and convenience accessory. We've developed a comprehensive system that's easy to sell, easy to install and easy to use. We're confident that Nissan dealerships will recognize the significant value they can provide their customers with this accessory product.”