Today, nearly 17,000 future Nissan LEAF drivers are learning when the world’s first affordable all-electric, zero-emission vehicle will be available in their markets. Consumers who have placed reservations for the Nissan LEAF received a communication today regarding market timing and next steps in ordering the all-electric vehicle.

Nissan LEAF first will be available to consumers in December, in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Tennessee. These areas are home to The EV Project – the largest electric vehicle and infrastructure deployment ever undertaken. The EV Project is a result of a partnership with charging infrastructure provider ECOtality and partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Customers in these first five launch states, who represent more than 55 percent of total Nissan LEAF reservations, will be able to place firm orders for the Nissan LEAF starting in August.

Nissan LEAF will be introduced to Texas and Hawaii shortly thereafter, in January 2011; North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama follow in April 2011; and be rolled-out to the balance of the nation beginning in Fall 2011 with availability in all markets nationwide by the end of that year.

“We are pleased to see so many people making a choice for a zero-emission future by placing reservations for the Nissan LEAF,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. “Consumer feedback and market readiness have been key drivers in developing our phased rollout. Nissan is able to target areas of customer demand for early launch, while continuing to work in future markets to ensure the continued success of electric vehicles.”

Nissan North America also is informing its consumers that the lithium-ion battery pack that powers the Nissan LEAF will carry a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles – matching U.S. market competitive conditions.

Consumers who have reserved the Nissan LEAF online will be invited to place orders through their dealer for the vehicle in advance of market roll-out timing, allowing time for consumers to select a dealer and assess home charging needs. Nissan is continuing to take reservations for the Nissan LEAF through its website, www.NissanUSA.com. Interested consumers are encouraged to place a reservation, which entails a $99 fully refundable fee to secure a spot on the list to place an order.

The reservations process has educated Nissan about more than just geographic distribution. Some information we’ve learned about future Nissan LEAF drivers includes:

• Favorite color: The favorite color of Nissan LEAF owners is blue. More than 30 percent of reservations are for blue Nissan LEAF electric cars. Silver is a close second, at about 26 percent. The remaining reservations are close to evenly split among red, black and white.
• Trim level: About 75 percent of Nissan LEAF orders are for the SL trim level, which adds a rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.
• Home and Parking: About 75 percent of people who placed reservations own a single-family home. About 68 percent have attached garages, while an additional 18 percent have detached garages or carports. Home ownership and dedicated parking are important factors for Nissan LEAF drivers who plan to charge their vehicles at home.
• Purchase time: About 67 percent of Nissan LEAF reservations holders have indicated that they’d be ready to purchase or lease a Nissan LEAF within one year of placing the reservation. An additional 24 percent indicated they would be ready in one to two years.
• Interests: Several primary interests are inspiring people to order a Nissan LEAF. Cited interests include energy independence (35 percent); environmental consciousness (34 percent); and cost/fuel economy (20 percent).

The No.23 Sumo Power GT Nissan GT-R took its best result of the season so far with a fantastic run to second place in the searing heat of Paul Ricard in Southern France this past Sunday. Michael Krumm and Peter Dumbreck saved their best tires for the race and were rewarded with second place and a big haul of championship points. The other Sumo Power GT Nissan GT-R, No. 22, also took points with an eighth place finish as Jamie Campbell-Walter produced some great TV moments with his crowd-thrilling run from 18th to eighth.

This result moves the Sumo Power GT team up to second place in the Team?s Championship after four events. All of this action happened under the watchful eyes of Shoichi Miyatani, the President of Nismo, who was visiting his first FIA GT1 World Championship event.

?It was a great pleasure for me to see the Nissan GT-Rs running so competitively at a World Championship event,? he said. ?It has been good to see the work that both teams have been doing. I can see that they are all putting in 100% effort, helping us to make our GT1 program a success.?

The Swiss Racing Team Nissan GT-Rs struggled again with Seiji Ara retiring with transmission troubles and Karl Wendlinger having the same used tire woes that Peter Dumbreck suffered in Saturday?s qualifying race. Wendlinger and Henri Moser recovered to a 15th place finish after starting from 21st on the grid.

Michael Krumm started the race in the No.23 Nissan GT-R from ninth place. He knew his priority today was to stay out of trouble in the opening laps, which is usually where all the drama happens. His brilliant drive saw him make his way up to third place as the pit stops began.

?We knew that Saturday?s qualifying race was going to be tough but we didn?t think it would be that tough,? commented Krumm. ?It is risky to start the race from ninth and sure enough there was a lot of hitting and diving going on. I had to protect the car and bring it back undamaged for Peter. The car felt fantastic and I managed to avoid getting involved in any of the crazy stuff. I?m very pleased to get this result for Nissan and the Sumo Power team.?

After struggling on old tires in Saturday?s qualifying race, Dumbreck was hoping for a good run on new tires on Sunday.

?We took the hit yesterday with the tires but it paid off in this afternoon,? he explained. ?I felt like a racing driver again today! I know I caused a bottleneck yesterday and I was thankful not to get run off the track. Today was a very different story though. It?s a great result for the team.?

Warren Hughes started the race from third in the No.22 Nissan GT-R. The British driver was on a charge from the word go and moved up to second before he had even got to turn one. Unfortunately he was later adjudged to have gone too far beyond the track limits, i.e. over the white line, and received a drive through penalty for his efforts. This put him to the back of the pack, but he was straight back on pace and worked hard to get up to 18th before handing the car over to Campbell-Walter.

Campbell-Walter clearly had the bit between his teeth this afternoon. He needed to get into the top ten to score any points so that was his target. With only 20 minutes of the race remaining Dumbreck was busy passing one of the Ford GTs for third place and Campbell-Walter had battled his way to 12th. He then gained another place to 11th and engaged in a scrap with a Lamborghini and an Aston Martin. He passed the Lamborghini, which then retook the position, triggering an almighty battle between the two cars.

The outcome of the battle was decided when the Nissan GT-R, the Lamborghini and the Aston Martin ahead of them went into turn one three-abreast.

?I braked a couple of meters later than normal and went for it,? said Campbell-Walter. ?It was great to make the move stick and pass both cars in one go for ninth place. I then got onto the radio to find out how far ahead the next car was. I was advised that it was a sizable gap and that the race only had a few minutes left to run. I?m not one for giving up so I decided to go for it and took the eighth placed Aston Martin with three corners to go! I think we could?ve been on for fifth place today but the drive-through finished it for us. I want to say huge congratulations to the team as both of the pit stops were fantastic today. Keep up the good work!?

Seiji Ara started well in the No.4 Swiss Racing Team Nissan GT-R. He was going great guns, moving up to eighth place from 12th on the grid, when after eight laps he suddenly dropped right down to 19th.

?I lost fourth gear,? he said. ?After I went through the first chicane there was a big noise and I no longer had fourth gear and lost a lot of places. I tried to continue but it took me right off the pace and we decided to retire to avoid any more damage to the gearbox. It?s a real shame as our race was going really well. I will keep on trying!?

Karl Wendlinger had a very tough race as he had to run on old tires. His team-mate Henri Moser had a better time of it, proving that having fresh rubber in reserve was the secret to success this weekend.

?I had the new tires today so I had a great run,? said Moser. ?We have learned this weekend that in hot weather like this we have to preserve our tires and maybe run less in the practice sessions. The car felt good today and I was able to run consistently. The set-up is definitely better and I was only four-tenths off the No.22 car, which is our benchmark. We are making progress and look forward to Spa.?

Both Nissan GT-R teams will head to Spa this week for the test day on Thursday. After that the Sumo Power GT No.22 Nissan GT-R is off to Le Mans where it will lead off a parade of Nissan GT-Rs around the world-famous Le Mans circuit on Friday evening. The team will stay for the full Le Mans Classic race meeting, taking part in five further parades during the weekend.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported June 2010 sales of 64,570 units versus 58,298 units a year earlier, an increase of 10.8 percent, compared with June 2009. Nissan Division sales rose 8.2 percent for the month, while sales of Infiniti vehicles were 31.7 percent higher than a year before.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan vehicles posted sales of 56,266 units in June compared with 51,994 units sold in June the previous year, an 8.2 percent increase.
• June marks the Nissan division?s ninth consecutive month with a year-over-year sales increase.
• All truck models (including crossovers and SUVs) showed gains, led by Rogue, which set a new June record with 6,959 units sold.
• Versa sales continue to grow, with deliveries up 23.6 percent for the month.

?We continue to see strength in Nissan?s lineup of trucks and crossovers,? said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. ?At the same time, Versa continues to lead the pack in its segment, with buyers attracted to its unique combination of value and efficiency.?

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti sales for June 2010 were 8,304 units, up 31.7 percent from the 6,304 units sold in the same month a year earlier.
• Every model in the Infiniti lineup posted double-digit percentage gains over June 2009.
• The launch of the 2011 Infiniti M continues to boost sales for that model, which was up 75.4 percent over last June.
• Sales of the refreshed Infiniti G lineup rose 25.7 percent (sedan sales up 33.1 percent; coupe sales up 10.8 percent).

?Our sales growth in June was fueled by the renewed Infiniti M and G Lines, but every one of our products showed sales increases over last year,? said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. ?This momentum should continue to build as the all-new 2011 QX begins to arrive in our showrooms.?

NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. Both June 2010 and June 2009 had 25 selling days, so there is no variation between the two calculation methods.

The Nissan Foundation, a charitable-giving arm of Nissan North America, Inc., has recently awarded a total of $578,500 in grants to 28 nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee, Northeast Texas, South Central Mississippi, Southern California and in the metro areas of Atlanta, Detroit and New York.

"The Nissan Foundation is committed to enriching people's lives in the neighborhoods where Nissan operates," said Scott Becker, president of the Nissan Foundation. "The Foundation supports numerous educational programs that celebrate and foster appreciation for diversity while making a positive impact in the community."

Established in 1992, the Nissan Foundation has donated over $4.5 million to more than 100 non-profit groups over the past 18 years. The Foundation is committed to celebrating cultural diversity as a means to promote respect for others, generate alternative ways of thinking, strengthen self-awareness and enrich communities.

This year's grantees are:

Middle Tennessee

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee
• Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
• Global Education Fund
• Frist Center Visual Arts
• Nashville Public Television
• Oasis Center
• Tennessee Foreign Language Institute
• Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
• Tennessee Women?s Theater Project

Northeast Texas

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth
• International Museum of Cultures
• National Cowboys of Color Museum

South Central Mississippi

• International Museum of Muslim Cultures
• Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Inc.
• 100 Black Men of Jackson

Southern California

• Autry National Center
• Friends of the Chinese American Museum
• Los Angeles Opera Company
• Japanese American National Museum

Metro Atlanta

• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation
• The National Black Arts Festival
• Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation

Metro Detroit

• Detroit Science Center
• Museum of African American History

Metro New York

• Brooklyn Children's Museum
• New York University, Glucksman Ireland House

Nissan North America, Inc. celebrates the opening of its new Livermore Training Center, located about 45 miles east of San Francisco. The Training Center – located at 455 N. Canyons Parkway in Livermore - will provide dealership technician product training supporting the Northwest region which covers Northern California, Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

The open house ceremony will be hosted by Mark Zinger, Nissan’s Director of Customer Loyalty and Training, along with Livermore Mayor Marshall Kamena. City Council and Chamber of Commerce members and representatives from Nissan and Infiniti’s over twenty Bay Area, Northern California and San Joaquin Valley dealerships are also expected to participate.

In addition, today’s program will showcase new, noteworthy vehicles – each making an early appearance in Northern California prior to their 2010 launch later this year:

• Nissan LEAF – Hailed by industry observers as a possible ‘game changing product,’ this all-electric, zero emission, five-passenger vehicle has generated unprecedented levels of consumer interest prior to its market introduction scheduled for December, 2010. Already, over 14,000 interested consumers – many of whom are located in the Northern California - have placed a $99.00 refundable reservation for the car.
• Nissan JUKE – Available in the Fall of 2010, this compact hatchback/crossover offers bold styling, unexpected levels of performance and an advanced torque vectoring AWD system. Powering the 2011 JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine – the first offering of engine in North America – which is rated at 180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque.
• Infiniti QX – This all-new full size, luxury sport utility vehicle offers an outstanding combination of refinement, roominess, advanced technology and power, providing maximum utility and all-season versatility. With 25 percent more power, 10 percent better fuel economy and first-class seating for up to eight, the 2011 QX features a high-strength steel frame and standard 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque.

“Providing support to our retail partners via this new, state-of-the-art facility is a critical component of our efforts to ensure a quality ownership experience for our customers,” said Zinger. “With our expanding presence in the Bay Area and Northwest, the Livermore location provides a central, easy-to-access location in a key market area.’

Covering more than 23,000 square feet of operational area, the center includes three classrooms, component repair area, a 10,000 square foot Vehicle Demonstrations Area featuring wheel service and alignment areas, 16 service bays, and eight vehicle lifts. In addition, courses on core curriculum will be conducted at the center, covering topics such as heating and cooling systems, chassis integrity, on-board diagnostics and emissions. Other meetings covering related sales and fixed operations training will be conducted at the venue, as well.

The Livermore facility will be one of two technical centers scheduled to open in the western United States this year, joining another facility in Ontario, Calif. set to open early this fall. A total of nine other centers support Nissan and Infiniti’s total of over 1,300 retail locations and 9,000 technicians nationwide

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, which are on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. With a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of just $9,990 USD – unchanged from 2009 – the Versa Sedan 1.6 Base retains its position as one of the lowest priced new cars available in the United States market.

For 2011, the fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive Versa is again offered in a range of nine models, including a choice of 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engines and four available transmissions. 2011 Nissan Versa MSRPs (USD) include:

Versa enhancements for 2011, following an extensive list of changes for the last model year, include the addition of an in-dash 6-disc CD player for the Sedan 1.8 S, and the addition of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for the Versa Sedan 1.6 (except 1.6 Base).

The front-wheel drive Nissan Versa continues to provide excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa features one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and largest interiors in the entry-level segment.

Versa's long list of standard and available equipment is anything but entry-level, however, and includes available Nissan Navigation System, Nissan Intelligent Key™, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

Versa 1.8 SL models are also offered with a low-cost Navigation/Satellite Package with a 5-inch LCD touch screen monitor, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

D&H Increase on Select Nissan Models

Effective immediately, Destination and Handling (D&H) charges will increase $10 to $750 USD on select Nissan models. Vehicles receiving the increase are Versa, Sentra, Altima, Maxima, 370Z and cube®. D&H remains at $800 USD for Frontier, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue and Xterra and $950 USD for Armada and Titan. D&H for the Nissan GT-R continues at $1,000 USD.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) has invited nearly 500 people to experience the world’s first mass-production, 100% electric, zero-emission car – Nissan LEAF - at the company’s Oppama test track in a world-exclusive preview from June 11-19, 2010.

Media, Nissan shareholders, government officials, analysts and some of the first customers to place reservations for Nissan LEAF will get the chance to experience the benefits of this practical, affordable and fun to drive all-electric car when they get behind the wheel of the first production test units.

Nissan LEAF, is a ‘new car’ in every sense of the word and redefines the driving experience, setting new standards in handling, acceleration and comfort in its class. Nissan LEAF officially goes on sale beginning in December.

Since the 100% electric, zero-emission concept vehicle was unveiled last August at the grand opening of the new Nissan Global Headquarters, the company has been continually refining Nissan LEAF for the October start of production.

Among the enhancements to the test units is the “Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians” system, which also will be used in the Nissan Fuga hybrid, slated for sale in fall 2010.

(Click here to download the sounds.)

The system makes it easy for those outside to hear the vehicle approaching, but the sounds do not distract the driver and passengers inside. Thus, the needs of pedestrian safety, as well as driver and passenger comfort, are met. The sound system is the first of its type to be introduced by an automaker.

Nissan believes the 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF has the potential to be the transformative beginning of a new approach to personal transportation. No tailpipe emissions from this global vehicle mean no CO2 or other gases released into the atmosphere.

In addition to reducing air pollution, Nissan LEAF and other electric vehicles (EVs) reduce noise pollution, making them transformative in yet another way. Unlike their gasoline-powered cars, EVs and hybrids run quietly. Today’s noisy traffic corridors have the potential to possess an almost serene ambience if populated with cars and trucks that are quieter.

While silence is golden, it does present practical challenges. In response to public concern that quiet EVs and hybrids can surprise pedestrians and the visually impaired as they approach, Nissan has developed a set of distinctive sounds that will come standard with Nissan LEAF to ensure a positive experience for drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike.

In developing the sound system, Nissan studied behavioral research of the visually impaired and worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists. After looking at applied original technology developed to reduce vehicle noise and conducting tests in Japan and abroad, the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system was created.

The sine-wave sound system sweeps from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of 600Hz, an easily audible range across age groups. Nissan worked to avoid a sound range that would add unnecessary noise to the environment (around 1,000Hz).

Depending on the speed and status (accelerating or decelerating) of Nissan LEAF, the sound system will make sweeping, high-low sounds. For instance, when Nissan LEAF is started, the sound will be louder, so a visually impaired person would be aware that a nearby car was beginning operations. And when a car is in reverse, the system will generate an intermittent sound. The sound system ceases operation when Nissan LEAF tops 30km/h and enters a sound range where regular road noise is high. It engages again as Nissan LEAF slows to under 25km/h.

The system is controlled through a computer and synthesizer in the dash panel, and the sound is delivered through a speaker in the engine compartment. A switch inside the vehicle can turn off sounds temporarily. The system automatically resets to “On” at the next ignition cycle.

Nissan LEAF will be on sale in Japan, the United States, Portugal and the Netherlands starting in December and in the United Kingdom and Ireland starting February 2011. Nissan plans to begin mass marketing Nissan LEAF in 2012.

Production will start in October at the Oppama plant in Japan. The second half of 2012 will see production at the Smyrna, Tenn., plant in the U.S., followed by production in the UK at the Sunderland plant in 2013. Annual Nissan LEAF production for Oppama is 50,000 units. The Lithium-ion battery that powers Nissan LEAF will be produced by Nissan’s joint-venture with NEC, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Company). Originally planned annual battery production capacity at AESC was 65,000 units including 54,000 units for EV. However, AESC plans to increase annual battery production capacity for EV to 90,000 units by 2011, foreseeing an upward trend in future demand.

Note: The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system conforms to guidelines set by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in its report, "Measures for dealing with the silence of hybrids and similar cars," released in January.

The Renault–Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan Canada has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Québec, the City of Montréal, Québec City, Hydro-Québec and the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique du Québec to advance zero-emission mobility in Québec. The parties will work together to plan the necessary charging infrastructure and to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles in Québec.

"This agreement brings us a step closer to a governmental action plan on electric vehicles, which will be launched within the next few months," said Minister of Natural Resources, Nathalie Normandeau. “We are planning a series of concrete actions that will pave the way for the arrival of electric vehicles in Québec. Since 97% of our electricity comes from clean, renewable resources, Québec presents a number of advantages for the introduction of electric vehicles.”

“The Renault-Nissan Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission mobility, which is one of the best solutions for reducing CO2 emissions,” said Mark Grimm, President Nissan Canada Inc. “We look forward to bringing the Nissan LEAF, the only mass-market zero-emission car at an affordable price, to Québec. Our partners have already demonstrated their commitment to combating greenhouse gas emissions and we anticipate a productive collaboration.”

Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Québec’s President and CEO, added that "today's announcement falls perfectly in line with our Strategic Plan 2009–2013 and other initiatives currently underway at Hydro-Québec. This memorandum of understanding will allow us to work closely with these important partners to carefully plan for the arrival of electric vehicles in Québec."

“Montréal is a true leader with respect to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, ” said Alan DeSousa, Vice-President of the Executive Committee and responsible for finance, sustainable development, environment and parks. “The memorandum of understanding signed with our partners meets the objectives of Montréal's Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development. It will raise our city's profile in North America with regard to electric vehicles and will help us reach our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by the year 2020.”

Québec City's Mayor, Régis Labeaume stated: “This partnership is in line with Québec City's ongoing efforts to develop sustainable transportation. The implementation of the Écolobus service, a fleet of non-polluting, ultra-quiet electric minibuses that travel the streets of Vieux-Québec, is a great success that contributes to maintaining the quality of the capital’s environment.”

Nissan, along with its alliance partner Renault, is committed to making affordable, all-electric vehicles available to the mass-market globally. The Nissan LEAF, a five-passenger all-electric vehicle, will first be available in select Canadian markets, such as Québec, before the end of 2011.

The MOU agreement adds Québec to a growing network of zero-emission vehicle initiatives across the world.

Communauto, one of the world's largest and North America’s first carsharing service, announced today a commitment to add 50 Nissan LEAFs to its fleet when the vehicle is available to the Canadian market before the end of 2011.

“By offering the all-electric Nissan LEAF next year, Communauto is reconfirming its environmental commitment to our more than 20,000 users,” said Benoît Robert, President of Communauto. “Our customers will soon be able to share the only real-world car with zero emissions and that brings together all the comfort, style and practicality that they are looking for.”

Communauto plans to integrate the Nissan LEAF into its fleet with the technical support of the Centre National du Transport Avancé (CNTA), at some locations in and around Montréal and Québec City. This is the first and largest all-electric self-service carsharing project to be announced in Canada.

“Nissan’s agreement to supply the LEAF to Communauto was facilitated by our MOU partnership with the Government of Québec, Hydro-Québec, Montréal, Québec City and the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique du Québec. The MOU and agreement with Communauto are a testament to the importance of establishing the strong relationships required to build a zero-emission community,” said Mark Grimm, President, Nissan Canada Inc.

Hydro-Québec will be implementing the charging infrastructure Communauto will need to keep the Nissan LEAFs fully charged when carsharers are on the go next year.

"When it comes to transportation, electricity is the way of the future. Thanks to the clean, renewable and reliable energy that we provide, Hydro-Québec can offer Quebecers a healthier environment," explained Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Québec’s President and CEO. "The company is pleased to play an active role in transportation electrification and to contribute to the ecologically responsible initiative being launched by Communauto and Nissan."

The first year of production of Nissan's new electric car Leaf has been sold out, the head of the Japanese automaker, Carlos Ghosn, said last week.

"We have 13,000 orders in the US and 6,000 orders in Japan," Ghosn said at a news conference in Detroit, the US auto industry capital.

Ghosn said that all of the US orders had come from individuals and not from government entities, whereas some orders in Japan were for municipal fleets.

"I don't think we're going to have a problem marketing and selling these cars for the first two or three years," the Nissan president and chief executive said, adding that tax incentives had made the car very popular in California.

The Leaf -- an acronym for Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family -- is billed by Nissan as the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle with zero emissions.

The first deliveries are set in December in the United States and Japan.

The car, which has a top speed of more than 90 miles (140 kilometers) per hour and is powered by a lithium battery, will go on sale in Portugal and the Netherlands in December, and in Britain and Ireland in February 2011.

Nissan will assemble the Leaf in the United States, in a factory that is scheduled to open soon in Tennessee, as well at its Japanese site in Yokosuka, near Tokyo.

Ghosn, in an earlier speech at the Detroit Economic Club, said that Nissan's French partner Renault has no immediate intention of returning to the US market.

Entering the world's largest economy when the market is down is a very difficult proposition, he said. Instead, Renault will focus on "cultivating" markets in Russia, he added.

Nissan, which is 43.4 percent owned by Renault, predicts that electric cars will account for 10 percent of world car sales by 2020.

The two automakers already have invested four billion euros (five billion dollars) in betting on future demand for electric cars.

Ghosn also predicted the auto industry would continue to consolidate, but with a bias in favor of alliances and joint ventures rather than acquisitions.

"Every car manufacturer has to develop very different technologies" for electric, hybrid, gasoline and diesel cars.

"These technologies are so expensive no manufacturer can afford to develop each of these technologies," he said.

Carmakers must address multiple market segments to succeed in the current market conditions, he said.

"You can?t be a niche brand. You have to be present in the upper segment and the lower segment, and the crossover segment and the four-by-four segment," he said.

Ghosn noted that Renault and Daimler had become partners because the German automaker needed help in boosting its smart -- a tiny fuel-efficient car -- and because "they wanted to make a small car affordable."

As for the 1999 Nissan-Renault tie-up, the alliance has succeeded "because it was not a merger," he said.

"We never make a decision in Paris on Nissan and we never made a decision in Tokyo on Renault."