Nissan Leaf reaches Japan sales target, exceeds 2010-11 capacity

Japan’s third largest carmaker confirmed yesterday that it had secured 6000 orders for the Leaf in its domestic market since opening the door to customers on April 1.

More than 60 percent of the orders have been placed by corporate buyers, and of the private buyers around 60 percent have been over the age of 50, according to Nissan.

As of last month, Nissan had already exceeded its 10,000 unit capacity for this financial year (ending March 2011) with more than 13,000 orders placed between Japan and the US alone. Leaf sales in North America began on April 20 and will expand to four European markets (Portugal, the Netherlands, Ireland and the UK) next month.

The former two will receive delivery of the Leaf along with Japan in December while the latter two will follow in February 2011.

Prices for Japanese buyers start at 2.99 million yen ($40,040) after government subsidies while European customers will be paying less than 30,000 euros ($43,980) after subsidies.

Nissan Australia earlier this year confirmed that the five-door, zero-emissions EV will be on sale locally by 2012. It is capable of travelling up to 160km on a single charge.

(with Reuters)