2016 Apr Plugin Sales Discussion : Leaf 787 - Total ?

[evnow]

Leaf sales continue to flounder. I can think of a few things that Nissan did wrong
- 30 kWh model was introduced too late
- SV vs S price difference is too much ($5K)
- The lease rates were atrociously high in the beginning. It has come down now, though ...

And then the outside factors
- Bolt announced
- Model 3 announced

So, if there is going to be an EV with double the range for same price, why would you buy a Leaf now - esp. since the lease rates were high ?

[DNAinaGoodWay]

+1, and it'll only get worse as the year goes on. They might as well roll out the gen 2 and be first to market.

[evnow]

+1, and it'll only get worse as the year goes on. They might as well roll out the gen 2 and be first to market.

I'm sure they would - if they were ready.

Given all the back&forth about LG & AESC battery, not sure Nissan is ready.

[DNAinaGoodWay]

Not being ready didn't stop Ghosn from releasing Leaf 1, but after the result, I guess he's containing himself this time. I have until August 2017, so should be out by then. Hopefully a 60 kWh eNV200 too.

[evnow]

Not being ready didn't stop Ghosn from releasing Leaf 1, but after the result, I guess he's containing himself this time. I have until August 2017, so should be out by then. Hopefully a 60 kWh eNV200 too.

Ofcourse, OTOH, an engineer has never self reported to be ready

[smkettner]

Trouble is a good portion of the price is the battery. And Nissan has a poorly performing battery IMO.

VOLT battery reputation should inspire confidence in BOLT.
Same with Tesla having a good battery reputation.

[cwerdna]

Meanwhile, starting around 3:16 of http://nbr.com/2016/05/03/nightly-busin ... -3-2016-2/, they mention red hot sales of the Ford F-150 truck, Chevy Silverado and SUVs.

Per http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/ ... -u-s-sales, US Leaf sales are down 49.3% vs. the same period last year and down 34.1% YTD. Total Nissan group sales are up 12.8% vs. same month last year and up 9.8% CYTD.

I am a bit surprised that per http://insideevs.com/monthly-plug-in-sales-scorecard/, Volt sales are still so strong, given that CA green HOV stickers are gone. I guess they're still wanted in general and/or outside CA.

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/l ... story.html says stuff like
"Amererica's love of trucks and SUVs helped push the auto industry to its best April ever, with most automakers reporting healthy increases.
...
Honda and Nissan set April records, Ford posted record SUV sales and Toyota sold more trucks and SUVs than ever.
...
Ford Motor Co. said it sold more than 65,000 SUVs, the best April in company history, led by the Explorer with a 22% increase. At Nissan Motor Co., cars and SUVs pushed sales up. Fiat Chrysler was led by a 17% increase in sales of Jeep SUVs. It was FCA US' best April since 2005."

Sigh...

[DaveinOlyWA]

biggest mistake was not allowing 30 kwh on the S trim. Since the S trim was introduced in 2013, it has dominated LEAF sales further proving that EVs are still too expensive. Instead of delaying intro of LEAF II to get a few more miles out of it, they need to figure out a way to intro it now with 75% more range and a $5,000 cheaper than the competition

[inphoenix]

+1 OP. The external factors played an important role. Many people didn't want to get locked into a 3 year lease knowing that Gen2, Bolt are around the corner. Telsa 3 maybe a while and by the time you properly config that vehicle so it may not be the same price range anyway.

Also, it did not help when the lease prices were quoted at over $500 a month. I think the stealers got a little too cocky with 30 kWh and it backfired. Yes, the prices have come down now but now most are waiting for second Gen EVs.

[jjeff]

.... I have until August 2017, so should be out by then. Hopefully a 60 kWh eNV200 too.

I'd be happy with any eNV200! well I suppose it would have to have at least a 30kWh battery to even equal a Leaf with a 24kWh battery and I'd prefer a larger battery but come on Nissan(or anyone!) come out with a smaller BEV utility van, I think they'd be surprised of the market. Extend the body and make it a 7 passenger(like the Transit connect or eNV200 in other markets) and you'll have a family hauler hit on your hands!