Nissan Leaf EV Series-Production begins at Oppama Plant in Japan

Production of Nissan's

pure electric leaf started today at the firm's Oppama facility in Japan, ahead of the car's launch in Japan and the United States in December, and in select markets in Europe from early 2011. Currently, the Oppama plant has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. The Japanese carmaker said it will begin exports to the USA in November, followed by Europe in December.

"This is a significant milestone, not only for Nissan and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but also for the entire automotive industry," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

"Consumers are clear. They want sustainable and affordable mobility...and the Alliance is leading the way with cars that deliver exactly that, with the reliability, excitement and performance that consumers demand. The high-quality, innovative Nissan LEAF will radically transform what consumers expect from automobile manufacturers worldwide."

Nissan said it will start manufacturing the all-electric Leaf at its Smyrna facility in Tennessee, USA from late 2012 and at its Sunderland plant in the UK from early 2013. According to the carmaker, Smyrna will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units, and Sunderland will have a capacity of around 50,000 units per year.

In the States, the Leaf will retail for $32,780, which comes down to $25,280 after a $7,500 federal tax credit, while buyers can also lease the EV for a monthly payment beginning at $349. The more technologically complex /advanced Chevy Volthas a much higher price tag starting from $41,000 or $33,500after tax credits.

While the debate -believe it or not- if the Chevy is a hybrid-electric or a pure EV is still on, the five-door Leaf is 100% electric and is powered by an electric motor delivering the equivalent of 107-horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque.

Nissan says the Leaf's lithium-ion battery pack can be filled up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger, while charging at home through a standard 200V will take approximately eight hours. A full charge is expected to offer a driving range of more than 100 miles or 160km.

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2011 Nissan Micra Review and Wallpapers

The 2011 Nissan Micra has just been unveiled at the company's press conference at the Geneva auto show. The 2011 Nissan Micra comes with a new exterior design and a re-styled interior. The 2011 Nissan Micra will come with a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 59kW (80ps) and 108Nm of torque. It emits 115g/km of CO2. The 2011 Nissan Micra will also be available with a supercharged 1.2-litre direct injection engine with start/stop that develops 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm of torque. This version of the 2011 Nissan Micra outputs 95g/km of CO2.
The 2011 Nissan Micra will be fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox or Nissan's all-new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The supercharged Micra delivers particularly strong mid-range response from 40km/h upwards and the gearshift and clutch operation is on par with its rivals. Despite losing a cylinder, it feels like a particularly strong unit and, although Nissan is championing the car’s ultra-low C02 emissions of just 95 g/km, the company could easily push its sportier credentials.
The all-new Nissan Micra comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as front and side and curtain airbags on all models.

In the cabin, Bluetooth connectivity and a multifunction Drive Computer are standard, along with a unique digital anniversary reminder, air conditioning, remote entry, CD player, aux MP3 audio input jack and tilt-adjust steering column.

The new Nissan Micra will be available in three trim grades, ST, ST-L and Ti, with the range-topping model getting features such as the Nissan Intelligent Key and push button engine start/stop, climate-control air-conditioning, reversing sensors, 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights.

Engine choices will vary by market, with only two being offered in Europe. These include the brand new 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 80 PS (59 kW / 78 hp) and up to 108Nm (80 lb-ft) of torque. Running on petrol, the engine gives off 115 grams of CO2 per kilometer. A supercharged, direct-injection 1.2-liter engine will also be sold. This unit includes start/stop, reducing emissions to 95g/km, while improving performance to 98 PS (72 kW / 96 hp) up to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a new CVT.

2011 Nissan Micra Interior
2011 Nissan Micra Back view
2011 Nissan Micra SpeedoMeter
2011 Nissan Micra Inside View