Ford Focus Electric causes Nissan to worry

[fordfocuselectric]

At the Plug In 2011 conference, Nissan was there with plenty of their executives, ready to answer questions.

Nissan provided some interesting details about the Nissan Leaf and it's buyers:
- So far 4000 Leafs have been sold in the United States and 10000 or so have been sold worldwide.
- The average buyer is a well educated person earning over $140,000 per year
- 80% of buyers are coming from a Toyota Prius

Perhaps the most interesting thing that Nissan commented on is what Mark Perry had to say about the Ford Focus Electric:

Perry mentioned the Ford Focus Electric as a potentially formidable competitor. The Ford Focus Electric goes on sale by year’s end and will slot between the Leaf and Volt in price.

http://news.consumerreports.org/car...1-conference-nissan-shares-leaf-insights.html

 

[redEV]

Especially in light on the LEAF's price increases for the 2012 model; if the Focus EV undercuts it when it's finally introduced ... it does look at least for now that the LEAF will actually 'beat' the Focus EV to the Chicago market as still no news from Ford

 

[fordfocuselectric]

When is the Nissan Leaf due in Chicago?

 

[redEV]

When is the Nissan Leaf due in Chicago?

I was pre-registered (April '10) for the LEAF and those who did in Chicago were all able to get RFQ's in starting 7/25; placed an actual confirmed order yesterday and expect the actual car Cayenne Red SL) in 3 to 4 months so hopefully before end of '11.

The dealer who took the order only has one LEAF per month allocation but mentioned he had 3 other quotes pending -- not sure when 'general' availability starts as it did with the original LEAF launch states but this looks like the LEAF (in very small numbers) will beat the Focus EV to Chicago (and not just 'orphan' cars from out of state). We have an additional incentive to buy from an IL dealer (10% of MSRP up to $4k) so it was worth it to wait for 'local' availability --- still love the Focus EV but look like a LEAF will be in my driveway

 

[evluv]

I've been chronically disappointed with the speed and quality of communication from both Nissan about the Leaf and Ford about the Ford Focus Electric. I'm not betting on anything until I see it - and that means that Ford will only get money for my Ford Focus Electric when it's sitting at the dealer down the road.

 

[happy12]

good - I like the Ford Focus Electric

 

[redEV]

When is the Nissan Leaf due in Chicago?

I was pre-registered (April '10) for the LEAF and those who did in Chicago were all able to get RFQ's in starting 7/25; placed an actual confirmed order yesterday and expect the actual car Cayenne Red SL) in 3 to 4 months so hopefully before end of '11.

The dealer who took the order only has one LEAF per month allocation but mentioned he had 3 other quotes pending -- not sure when 'general' availability starts as it did with the original LEAF launch states but this looks like the LEAF (in very small numbers) will beat the Focus EV to Chicago (and not just 'orphan' cars from out of state). We have an additional incentive to buy from an IL dealer (10% of MSRP up to $4k) so it was worth it to wait for 'local' availability --- still love the Focus EV but look like a LEAF will be in my driveway

Another follow up -- just got back from the Nissan drive event for the LEAF; since the last post, Nissan has confirmed my delivery to the month of November (+/- 15 days). These were real production cars we had a chance to drive; quite impressed with it so barring anything else should have it well before end of the year. It's funny as when I parked my 'ICE' car (an '09 VW Routan) in the Soldier Field parking garage, I saw two EV chargers right there -- also on the trip back an '12 Focus ICE; it's really a shame that Ford isn't yet ready with it's EV, I like the Focus but the LEAF is here now in Chicago and more and more of these charging stations are coming!