Nissan Versa Poised for Debut as Least Costly New Car

The 2012 Nissan Versa is set to launch in 21 days and Nissan has just announced that the car will be the least costly new car on the market.  The completely overhauled Versa brings the lowest starting M.S.R.P in America at $10,990.

Small-vehicle users are anxiously waiting for the soon release of the Versa.

The Versa offers mid-size vehicle space, high fuel efficiency, and affordability all in a small vehicle.  Nissan created the brand new front-wheel drive global “V” platform to overhaul the Versa.  The new platform dropped 150 pounds and used 20% less space on platform components than the previous version, leading to added space overall including trunk space and rear leg space for comfort.

The engine of the Versa was also overhauled into a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine, unleashing 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque.  The Versa comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or next generation Xtronic CVT™ transmission.

The new Nissan Versa is all about being green and helping the environment.  The Versa logs 38 mpg fuel efficiency while also having reduced CO2 emissions.  The redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa will be the first Nissan vehicle with the PUREDRIVE branding.  The PUREDRIVE brand is reserved for Nissan vehicles that promote environmentally-friendly driving and cleaner emissions through Nissan’s latest technology.

The Versa will be available in just three weeks, so you only have to sit tight for a short wait now.  Loaded with features, environmentally-friendly, and a price of $10,990, you can’t go wrong with the Nissan Versa.  

Nissan Named Greenest Manufacturer of the Year

Green-Car-Guide Named Nissan the Greenest Manufacturer of the Year for its creation of the Nissan LEAF.  The annual award is given to a manufacturer that has made a special innovation to give consumers a vehicle that is more fuel efficient, has less of a carbon footprint, and also is a car that is great to drive.

Nissan and the all-electric LEAF went above and beyond with having no emissions and designing a solid car for drivers to travel in.

“Nissan has shown real leadership by launching the world’s first all-electric family hatchback,” Green-Car-Guide.com founder and editor Paul Clarke explained, “However, not only has the company brought the vehicle to the market, the LEAF is also an excellent car to drive.”

The LEAF can travel up to 100 miles/charge depending on driving and environmental conditions.  Standard outlets can charge the LEAF in eight hours and the quick charger offered by Nissan can charge the vehicle up to 80% in under 30 minutes.  The LEAF has a 107 horsepower electric motor that is powered by a 90 kilowatt lithium ion battery and can reach speeds of up to 90mph.

The Nissan LEAF is a major step in creating a greener automobile and has created a revolution in the auto industry to create the best, fuel-efficient, and environmentally-friendly vehicle for consumers.

Nissan Wants LEAF to Power Your House in a Blackout

Rather than having you run to your candle stash to light the house at night if a blackout occurs, Nissan is determined to make the LEAF able to power your house instead.

The Leaf’s battery can store 24 kw hours of electricity, which is close to a day’s worth of electricity on average for a US household.   Rather than people buying a generator or sitting in the dark in case of a blackout, they’d be able to utilize their electric car to keep the lights on at home.

Hideaki Watanabe, head of Nissan’s Global Zero Emissions, believes they will make the LEAF have the ability to power a house soon.

“In case of blackouts we can utilize that,” Watanabe explained.  “In Japan, some people say instead of installing a generator they’ll just buy a LEAF.  As of today we don’t have a function to discharge but we are looking into that.”

Nissan engineers have been working diligently to develop the technology to reverse the flow of energy from the car to the house rather than house to the car.  Watanabe is pushing to have the technology asap and hopes to have a prototype by the end of the year.

The fast-charging systems already have the ability to detect electricity leaks which provides a great safety feature and the potential to reverse the flow of energy to the house.

In a booming market of the auto industry, the electric vehicle category is the future and Nissan is looking to provide the total package with the LEAF.

Nissan CEO Plans to Invest $5.6 Billion in Electric Vehicles

Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Renault-Nissan Alliance has pledged to invest 4 billion Euros ($5.6 billion) in electric vehicles. This will give Renault-Nissan the ability to build 500,000 electric vehicles and batteries in 11 factories and 8 countries by 2013.

While most automakers are promising to bring and EV to the market in the next few years, Ghosn is pushing for half a million electric cars and batteries within two years. “There is no other car company committing the massive investment in electric cars like use. None,” said Ghoson. “A lot of people are saying they’ll come out with an electric car. But they’re saying 10,000 or 20,000 or 30,000 (cars). At this time, no one can match us.”

The first of Nissan’s electric vehicles, the Nissan Leaf, has already sold 7,200 units worldwide since its debut in December. Nissan plans to introduce 3 more models by 2014 and Renault will feature 4 EVs by the end of 2012.

While there are skeptics, Ghoson believes that the technology and marketplaces are ready for electric vehicles. “Our industry is not going to be able to continue to prosper unless we embrace technology that is independent of oil and respectful of the environment,” commented Ghoson.

 

Nissan & Ryan Reynolds Partner for Innovation for Endurance

Nissan and Ryan Reynolds, a Hollywood actor and environmental activist, have teamed up for Nissan’s “Innovation for Endurance” program.

The program theory is with the Nissan LEAF trying to make the environment healthier with zero emissions, we as humans need to take care of our bodies as well.  The program is designed to promote fitness with advice from the greatest in their sports and activities.

Runner Ryan Hall, Cycling Coach Chris Carmichael, Cycling Champion Levi Leipheimer and yoga master Tara Stiles will guide you through activities to help promote your fitness and take it to the next level.

Reynolds will be involved with digital and print ads and videos that will be posted to the Innovation for Endurance tab on Nissan’s Facebook page.  The Nissan Facebook page is also the spot to enter for a chance to win a Nissan LEAF and weekly prizes such as road bikes, cameras and much more.

Reynolds owns a LEAF himself and loves the fact that he can drive past gas stations without stopping unless he wants to buy some gum.

“I believe it’s possible to take great leaps forward without sacrificing a way of life. For me electric vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf, are not only representative of taking back the power, but also a significant statement about conscious ways of living,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds is well known for his roles in The Amityville Horror, Waiting, The Proposal and upcoming movies The Green Lantern and The Change Up.

Nissan Leafs Being Used for U.S. Government Fleet

The United States government chose the 100% electric Nissan Leaf to be a part of the government fleet of vehicles for its electric vehicle pilot program.  The cars were handed out amongst 20 different government agencies participating in the program.

The US Government is trying to lead by example in going green.  President Obama recently made the bold goal of having one million plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles on the road by 2015.  Only 116 vehicles are used for the electric vehicle program but a successful experience could lead to future purchases for all government agencies.  The U.S. government operates the largest vehicle fleet in the country.

The 116 vehicles are going to save 29,000 gallons of gas, lower greenhouse gas emissions by 260 tons and save taxpayers more than $109,000 every year.  Reducing our carbon footprint, oil consumption, and taxpayer expense is a win-win in all departments.

The 100% electric Nissan Leaf has zero emissions and runs on an electric motor powered by a massive battery pack.  A full charge allows the Leaf to travel 100 miles depending on weather and driving conditions.

The Nissan Leaf is very affordably priced with a federal rebate of $7,500 available for those whose purchase the all-electric vehicle.  And remember, you won’t ever have to go to the gas station again!  Go test drive one today!

Nissan Juke Awarded Top Safety Pick by IIHS

The 2011 Nissan Juke was awarded the prestigious “Top Safety Pick” rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Juke received the honor given to vehicles that attain the Institute’s highest rating of “Good” in front, rear and side impact protection as well as having electronic stability control and a “Good” rating for roof strength.  The Nissan Juke joins Nissan Leaf, Nissan Cube and the Infiniti M37/M56 as Top Safety Pick vehicles for 2011.

The Juke is a crossover that combines SUV style with sport-car style driving, high-end technology and safety at an affordable price of around $19,000.  The vehicle comes loaded with standard safety features including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

The Juke has a 1.6 Liter engine that pushes 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.  The Juke has three available trims, the S, SV and SL versions.  There is an optional manual transmission for the SV and SL versions.

Visit Legend Nissan today and check out the Juke for yourself!

Nissan Assisting Southeast Flood & Tornado Victims

With all of the damage across the Southeast from the flooding and tornadoes, Nissan is doing their part to help those affected by the storms.  For those that had damage to or lost their vehicles in the storms, Nissan is offering employee pricing discounts and delayed car payments on vehicle purchases.

Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee that can show proof of vehicle damage or loss caused by the storms qualify for the discount.  The employee pricing discount ranges up to $1,500 off the dealer invoice price and it can be added to regular regional and national discounts being offered to get the best deal!

For those that need financing for the vehicles, if you are approved for financing through Nissan Motors, customers are allowed to delay up to three monthly payments without extension fees.  The delayed payments allow residents a lot more flexibility as they try to cope with such devastating loss of property.

On top of the financial flexibility that Nissan is offering, they also have donated $115,000 to the Red Cross to help in providing resources to the flood and tornado victims.  Nissan is very dedicated to the Southeast region with Nissan headquarters located in Smyrna, Tennessee.