FRANKLIN, TN - Nissan North America Inc. opened reservations for the Nissan Leaf zero-emission, all-electric vehicle on May 15 to the general public. 

The reservation process is a first step in securing a place on the list to purchase or lease a Nissan Leaf.

Nissan offered priority reservations beginning April 20 to select customers who had registered for ongoing communications on the Nissan Leaf via www.NissanUSA.com. More than 9,500 consumers placed a reservation during this priority window.

The Nissan Leaf begins rolling out to select markets in December, with increased availability beginning in spring 2011 and full market rollout in 2012. Consumers who have made reservations will be sequenced in order for their particular market, Nissan said.

"After the start of priority reservations, interest in the Nissan Leaf only has continued to grow," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America. "Consumers clearly are recognizing the benefits of zero emissions and the value proposition the Nissan Leaf offers."

Through the Nissan Leaf website via www.NissanUSA.com, the customer will create an account, configure his or her vehicle, and answer questions to complete a driving profile. Consumers will be asked to pay a fully refundable $99 reservation fee by credit card. After placing a reservation, a customer will be able to indicate a preferred dealer.  

Consumers who reserve a Nissan Leaf will receive confirmation numbers. Nissan will provide individual updates for their reservations by June 30. Reservations are limited to one per household.  

Including the maximum $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan Leaf will be fully eligible, the consumer's after-tax net value of the vehicle could be as low as $25,280. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2011 Nissan Leaf is $32,780. 

Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray costs. For example, a $5,000 clean-vehicle rebate is offered in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California. The lease price for the Nissan Leaf begins at $349 per month.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. The dealer sets actual price, and prices and specs are subject to change without notice, Nissan said.