Nissan Leaf slapped with $51K price tag in Switzerland

Here in the U.S., the Nissan Leaf starts at a reasonable $32,780. After $7,500 in federal tax credits, the Leaf rings in at $25,280. Over in Japan, the Leaf sets buyers back ¥3.76 million ($46,225 U.S. at the current exchange rate) before one factors in the ¥770,000 ($9,466 U.S.) incentive so the post-credit price in Japan is roughly $36,800. Across the pond in the UK, Nissan's battery-powered hatch hits the pocketbook, after rebates, to the tune of £23,990 ($38,840 U.S.). Why all this pricing info overload? To put Nissan's just-announced price of 49,950 CHF ($51,977 U.S.) for the Leaf in Switzerland into perspective.

At nearly $52K, the Swiss-bound Leaf ain't no bargain. In fact, it's priced nearly $6,000 higher than the less capable, and also available in Switzerland, Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Okay, but surely some incentives will slash the Leaf's price, right? Wrong. Switzerland is one of a handful off European countries that get by without substantial government subsidies for electric vehicles, so $52K, or thereabouts, is what Swiss buyers will pay. That is, if anyone over there is willing to part with that kind of hard-earned cash to drive Nissan's zero-emissions hatchback.

Despite the high price tag, Nissan remains confident that Swiss motorists will bite. Simon Thomas, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan International SA, offered up these words on the Leaf's entry into Switzerland:

Nissan Leaf is the perfect car for a country dedicated to promoting clean, renewable energy,The combination of zero emissions, ultra-low running costs, and the sheer practicality of the family-sized car will appeal to many Swiss motorists. The fact that it's also great fun to drive is another bonus.

For those in Switzerland who are interested in buying the Leaf and are not put off by the lofty price, the ordering period opens December 1st and deliveries will begin in mid-2011. Hit the jump for more pricing info on the Nissan Leaf.

Photos copyright ©2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Nissan]

PRESS RELEASE

NISSAN REVEALS PRICE OF NISSAN LEAF 100% ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN SWITZERLAND

-Fifth market in which price disclosed; deliveries start in second half of 2011-

ROLLE, Switzerland (Oct. 28, 2010) - Nissan International SA today announced the price of Nissan LEAF in Switzerland, making Switzerland the fifth European market in which Nissan has disclosed the price of the world's first affordable 100% electric vehicle.

The zero-emission Nissan LEAF will cost 49,950 CHF with customer deliveries to start in the second half of 2011. The price includes the battery, which benefits from a five-year/100,000 km warranty.

Switzerland, home to Nissan's European headquarters, is seen as a perfect market for the compact family Nissan LEAF, thanks to daily driving patterns and the Government's increasing focus on renewable energy sources, including hydropower.

Customers can secure their place in line for ordering a LEAF on Nissan's consumer website from Dec. 1.

"Nissan LEAF is the perfect car for a country dedicated to promoting clean, renewable energy," said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Nissan International SA. "The combination of zero emissions, ultra-low running costs, and the sheer practicality of the family-sized car will appeal to many Swiss motorists. The fact that it's also great fun to drive is another bonus."

Reservations for Nissan LEAF have reached more than 27,000 units globally. Deliveries begin this December in Japan and the US. In Europe, deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2011 to Portugal, the UK, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands. Pricing for those markets was announced in May.

Nissan LEAF is a pure electric vehicle, with an on-board battery pack that can be recharged from domestic and public electricity outlets. With no tailpipe emissions, Nissan LEAF is perfectly suited for Switzerland while its range of 160 km means it can easily be used for a daily commute.

Its compact, highly efficient lithium-ion batteries and powerful electric motor give Nissan LEAF instantly responsive acceleration which is matched by a top speed of more than 140 km/h. A suitable quick charge system can restore up to 80 per cent of battery power in just 30 minutes.

Standard equipment in the five passenger family car includes features such as air conditioning, parking camera, quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity. The only optional extra will be a solar panel integrated into the rear spoiler.