“We expect to have the car available in select American cities next year,” Paula Rivera, a company spokeswoman told The New York Times. “We’re in the process of finalizing the list.”
Hertz has not decided yet how many Leafs will offer, nor has any idea how much to charge for the first electric vehicle for the masses. The company is however planning to offer them in California first, largely because of the appeal consumers have for such vehicles. The car will be available at Connect by Hertz car-sharing locations in London, Paris, Madrid and Berlin.
"Realistically, we look at high-demand location — where the consumer base is asking for them. When we introduced the Toyota Prius, California was one of the hot locations, and we’re anticipating something similar with the Leaf,” Rivera added.
The MSRP for the 2011 Nissan LEAF is $32,780, while the lease price begins at $349 per month. Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer's after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280.
The Leaf will be available in the US in two trim levels. The SV trim packs the car with navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity, LED headlights, Bluetooth, Intelligent-key with push button start, Sirius/XM satellite radio, dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags.
The second trim, the SL, priced $940 more, comes with rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights and automatic headlights. Ordering for the Leaf will be available April 20, for a $99 reservation fee. Deliveries are set to begin in August.
Google News