In response to strong initial demand for Nissan LEAF zero-emission electric cars, Nissan North America, Inc. announced it will begin taking reservations LEAF in the spring of 2010. Almost American 22,000 people have contacted Nissan North since the company launched the car in August.

“The wave of interest, especially from the people in the initial launch markets, shows us the importance of a reservation system,” said Carlos Tavares, Nissan’s head of operations in North, Central and South America. “Our goal is to confirm a reservation at least 20,000 for Nissan LEAF as we provide the world’s first mass-market zero-emission cars at the end of 2010.”

Nissan will invite people to “opt-in” and receive updates and information about LEAF through a reservation system that will notify them when electric cars are available – either for a test drive or to take home. Participants will receive the latest news about the company’s zero emission activities and information about Nissan LEAF and how to be a “plug-in ready.”

“We will continue to reach out to this enthusiastic and rapidly growing group as we approach launch,” said Tavares.

Approximately 70 percent of people in North America who have contacted Nissan about LEAF in a market where all-electric zero-emission cars will be taken first to the market.

Of those who have contacted Nissan, about half reported that they wanted to get the LEAF is available immediately after, and another 45 percent expressed interest in owning an electric vehicle in two to three years. Metro areas with the strongest consumer response to San Diego, California; Tucson, Ariz.; Seattle, Portland, Oregon; and Los Angeles – all among the first markets in which LEAF will be available globally.

More than 90 percent of people who have contacted Nissan to show that they drove less than 100 miles a day to day, which is when the full range of LEAF. Meanwhile, 75 percent indicate that they are members of two car households – the leading candidate for an efficient commuter cars like the all-electric, zero-emission LEAF.

People who are interested in zero emission mobility will have an opportunity to see the Nissan LEAF began in November, on the heels of the appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show, when it will tour around the major launch markets in the United States. The tour will kick off in Los Angeles on a special occasion.

Nissan was the only car is committed to making all electric vehicles are available for the mass market on a global scale. Beginning in late 2012, Nissan will produce LEAF and advanced lithium-ion battery pack for the U.S. market at the company factory in Smyrna, Tenn. In the beginning, LEAF will be produced in Japan.

Nissan LEAF will be available for private and fleet customers. People who want to participate in the program can visit www.nissanusa.com bookings / leaf-electric cars. Details about the program and the prices are finalized.

In the United States, Nissan – in conjunction with Renault-Nissan Alliance – are seeking ways to promote zero-emission mobility and development of electric vehicle infrastructure through partnerships in the state of Tennessee, Oregon State, Sonoma County and San Diego in California, Phoenix and Tucson , Ariz., Washington DC, Seattle, and Raleigh, NC additional partnerships will be announced in the near future.