2011 Nissan LEAF production starts in Oppama south of Tokio

The Japanese constructor has started producing its first mass production Electric Vehicle (EV). Production has started in Oppama south of Tokio. Nissan said that exports to America will start next month while Europe will have to wait until December to receive the LEAF. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said that “This is a significant milestone, not only for Nissan and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but also for the entire automotive industry”.

The Oppama plant is said to have a capacity of 50,000 units per year, but Nissan also said that they will be producing the car at the Smyrna plant later in 2012, and that production in Sunderland, England will start in 2013. The Smyrna plant will have a production of 150,000 models per year, while the Sunderland plant will have a capacity of only 50,000 units.

Carlos Ghosn also added that: “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.”

via: www.4wheelsnews.com