ROSWELL, Ga. - Nissan's all-electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, is selling at historic rates in new cities throughout the U.S. Atlanta is now the third biggest market for LEAF sales, with more than 700 LEAFs sold in the last few months.
Atlanta is also the city where the Renault-Nissan Alliance recently sold its 100,000th electric vehicle. Allison Howard bought this LEAF just two and a half years after Nissan launched the industry's first mass-market electric vehicle in December 2010.
"It's economical. It is something I could afford as a college student. It drives perfectly. It's so cool, and that's why I wanted to get a LEAF," said Howard.
Howard bought the "S" trim model 2013 Nissan LEAF, the new most-affordably priced option. In Georgia, she can also get thousands of dollars back in tax incentives and qualify to drive in the HOV lane.
"The LEAF is hot, especially the ‘S' trim. People are buying them literally before the truck delivers them to the lot in some markets," said Lisa Farrar, Nissan EV Marketing and Sales.
Howard and her parents were set on getting a new Nissan after Allison got into a serious accident while driving a Nissan Versa. Allison emerged virtually unharmed, so her parents wanted her back in a Nissan for the safety features. The LEAF joined the Nissan Altima on the 2013 Top Safety Picks list by getting "good" ratings in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests.
"As a parent, when you think about that safety part, it really brought us back to looking at Nissans again," said Bob Howard, Allison's father.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has sold more zero-emission vehicles than all other automakers combined. Allison's purchase marks a major milestone for the alliance and for the future of electric vehicle expansion in Atlanta and beyond. She says her friends and neighbors are already asking her to take a ride and see inside.
 |
| Click to enlarge image |
# # #
