At the Detroit Auto Show, Nissan revealed the 2013 model year Leaf, which aside from a host of upgrades, will be built from now on in the U.S. at the brand’s manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.
As a result of the shift in production from Japan to the United States and the addition of a new base S model, Nissan has been able to trim the entry price by more than $6,000 (about 18 percent), to $28,800, or as low as $18,800 after a $7,500 federal tax credit and state rebate of $2,500.
The SV and SL models, which as made-in-Japan 2012MYs cost $35,200 and $37,250, are now priced at $31,820 and $34,840 respectively, excluding handling and delivery, as well as federal and state rebates.
“With nearly 50,000 LEAFs on the road globally, we are the leaders in zero emissions vehicles and our class-leading product just got better,” said Billy Hayes, Global vice president of LEAF sales for Nissan. “From the very outset, Nissan has continuously advanced and refined the affordable zero emissions vehicle ownership experience. Now customers won’t have to pay a premium for owning a green car that’s really fun to drive, and that’s exciting.”
The Japanese carmaker said it will also continue its lease offer for the 2013 LEAF, that starts from $199 per month for 36 months, and which includes tax credits and destination charges.
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