Hawkinson Nissan in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Nissan Dealer

Leaf venture to thrive, Nissan says

Nissan North America broke ground Wednesday for a lithium-ion battery plant as part of a plan to build a five passenger all-electric car, the Leaf, and create up to 1,300 jobs in Tennessee.

The automaker’s top executive said it was a no-risk venture. 

“This is going to be a money-maker,” Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said.

The battery plant is part of a $1.7-billion investment to start production of the Leaf in 2012.

Most of the investment comes from a federal loan aimed at fostering energy independence.

The four-door hatchback has a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

It is to have a base price of $32,780, but it’s eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, making it closer to $25,000.

 

 Web: HawkinsonNissan.com