NISSAN LEAF BLOWS INTO HAWAII

Today, Nissan North America Inc. (NNA) brought sustainable mobility to Hawaii with the arrival of the state’s first all-electric Nissan LEAF. Bill Markevitch took delivery of his Nissan LEAF SL today at New City Nissan of Honolulu. This groundbreaking moment follows deliveries in the launch states of California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Tennessee and Texas. 

Markevitch is a development executive for Hawaii Pacific Health who focuses on fundraising for Kapiolani Media Center, Hawaii’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The Honolulu resident plans to use photovoltaic panels installed on his home to have the sun power his car. 

“Electricity is the new fuel for cars, and the Nissan LEAF has the potential to transform the automotive industry and the way people drive,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. “Starting today, drivers in Hawaii have the freedom to choose a future that produces zero tailpipe emissions, moves away from our dependence on fossil fuels and represents the end of trips to the gas station. This Nissan LEAF delivery signifies the dawn of a movement that brings sustainable mobility to within our grasp.”

In August 2010, Nissan announced that it had entered into an agreement with the State of Hawaii to advance zero-emission mobility. This partnership is helping pave the way for the introduction of the Nissan LEAF throughout Hawaii.

 “We are excited about Nissan bringing the first Nissan LEAF electric vehicle to Hawaii," said Estrella Seese, acting energy program administrator of the State of Hawaii Energy Office.  "The introduction of the Nissan LEAF will support our state's effort to move towards a clean energy future and meet our 70 percent energy goal by 2030."

The delivery is Nissan’s first in Hawaii, completing a series of “first” deliveries in each of its primary launch markets, which began in December 2010.  Nissan is on track for a nationwide launch of the Nissan LEAF by 2012, with more states taking deliveries later this year. In order to fulfill interest and meet demand in initial launch markets, Nissan plans to reopen reservations in the first half of 2011 as well as shift timing of additional markets until the second half of 2011.

STORY BY NISSAN