Category Archives: news analysis

Nissan Leaf Debuts in U.S. at $32,780

Posted on 2 November 2010 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) says that the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle on sale in December starts at $32,780 MSRP before a $7500 federal tax credit, plus taxes, title and license fees. A Leaf lease starts at $349 per month. The pure electric vehicle requires a charging dock, which Nissan says will cost another $2200 on average, and require eight hours to fully recharge Leaf’s 48 lithium ion battery modules. 

There are also other potential subsidies for the mid-size with what is claimed to be a 100-mile range. There is $5,000 statewide tax rebate 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 charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50% federal tax credit up to $2000. Continue reading →

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EPA to Stigmatize Gas Guzzlers with a D Grade?

Posted on 1 November 2010 by Ken Zino

EPA and DOT are proposing the most radical changes to the fuel economy labels of every new vehicle in dealer showrooms since the regulation began more than 30 years ago. “New technologies such as battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are entering the American market in greater numbers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We need to provide consumers with labels that include fuel economy and environmental information so that buyers can make better informed decisions when purchasing new vehicles.”

EPA and DOT are actually proposing two new label designs for comment during a rule making period that will be subject to intense behind the scenes lobbying by automakers in pay to play Washington.  At stake is the stigma of a bad label on the side of a vehicle. Continue reading →

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Help Teens Cope with Dangerous Winter Roads

Posted on 1 November 2010 by Ken Zino

Now that winter is arriving in our northern latitudes, drivers will need to deal with the ice, snow, and other hazards that turn roads treacherous and contribute to the more than 1.5 million weather-related car crashes that occur each year, according to the National Research Council.  And if my experience is representative, more people than teens need to think about navigating a two-ton car or sport ute through the slop. Continue reading →

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