Hybrid Car Review

Nearly 22,000 people have already contacted Nissan about the LEAF, the new zero-emissions all electric vehicle which will be for sale in 2010.

If you want to know more about the LEAF, you can opt-in. People who wish to participate in the reservation program can visit www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car. Details about the program and pricing are being finalized.

Opting in will give Nissan permission to send you updates and information about the LEAF. The updates will include when the LEAF is available either for test drives or to take home. You will also get updates on Nissan's zero-emission activities and 'how to become plug-ready.'

You won't be able to actually reserve the LEAF until spring 2010.

Of those who have already shown an interest in the LEAF, 70% already line in the markets where Nissan will introduce their electric vehicle (EV) LEAF. Metro areas with the strongest consumer responses are San Diego, Calif.; Tucson, Ariz.; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; and Los Angeles - all of which are among the first markets where LEAF will be available globally.

Tour of the major launch markets will begin after Tokyo Auto Show debut, starting in LA.

45% of those who have contacted Nissan are interested in owning and electric vehicle in the next 2-3 years. 90% indicate they drove less than 100 miles daily. 75% come from two-car households.

Although the LEAF will be produced in Japan at first and imported into the US, the factory in Smyrna, TN will begin production sometime in 2012.

"The groundswell of interest, especially from people in our initial launch markets, demonstrates to us the importance of a reservation system," said Carlos Tavares, head of Nissan's operations in North, Central and South America. "Our goal is to confirm at least 20,000 reservations for Nissan LEAF by the time we deliver the world's first mass-market zero-emission car in late 2010."

"We'll continue to reach out to this enthusiastic and rapidly growing group as we approach launch," said Tavares.