Hello all:
I've had some concerns. I decided to go to the horse's mouth. There's some nuggets in here. Maybe the info will help others. Please find below a copy of a chat from this morning with personal info redacted (California resident). I can't really answer any questions, the info is being presented simply AS-IS, and is pretty self-explanatory. If you want to quote, for example, some of the nuggets, for brevity please remove all extraneous non-pertinent text (sorry, a pet-peeve of mine when a respondent quotes the entire piece, rather than just the pertinent excerpt, it makes it SO HARD to read and lengthens this thread ad nauseum).
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Saturday, August 14, 2010 08:40:53 AM PDT (8/14/2010 3:40:53 PM - GMT)
Welcome to EV Customer Support, Erica will be right with you.
Erica:
Thank you for contacting Nissan Electric Vehicle Customer Support, my name is Erica. How may I help you today, {Customer}?
{Customer}:
Good morning, Erica !
{Customer}:
I have several questions regarding the ordering procedure ("OP" for short).
Erica:
Good morning, and thank you for your interest in the Nissan LEAF. I will be happy to assist you today, {Customer}. In order to accurately log the demographics of our inquiries, would you mind providing your last name, zip code, and phone number?
{Customer}:
<Customer-LastName>, <Customer-ZipCode>, <Customer-TelNum>.
Erica:
Thank you for your information, {Customer}. How may I help you today?
{Customer}:
When will August order reservationists receive the OrderNow email, Aug 27 ?
Erica:
We do not know the exact date when the e-mails will go out. If you have received an e-mail saying that you will be able to place your order for your Nissan LEAF in August, please continue to check your e-mails for the one that Nissan will send you when it is time for you to place your order.
{Customer}:
Thanks. Is the dealer that’s currently our preferred dealer the one from whom we have to request the first quote, or are we free to select any dealer during the OP ?
Erica:
The dealer that you chose as your preferred dealer should be the dealer from whom you would like to request your first quote. That is the point of letting the customer pick their preferred dealer. If you do not like their quote, you can decline that quote and request a quote from another dealer.
{Customer}:
Thank you. What information has to be provided and what selections have to be made during OP ? For example: Color, trim level, Level 3 Charging Port, Purchase versus Lease, cash versus financing ?
Erica:
All of the above.
{Customer}:
Anything else that I missed ?
Erica:
Whether you have a car to trade in, and if you have had your home assessment done or not.
{Customer}:
Ok. How is it possible for the Dealer to make a LEASE offer during the OP without having all of the customer’s financial information, including credit rating ?
Erica:
All financing information will be discussed with the LEAF certified Nissan dealer at the appropriate time during their purchase process of the Nissan LEAF.
{Customer}:
You said "purchase process". Is this the same as the "OrderingProcedure" ? In other words, does this information also have to be provided BEFORE the Dealer places the order for the LEAF ?
Erica:
A month before their car arrives, customers will begin to receive weekly updates. They’ll also be able to get NMAC pre-approval and receive an online checklist to ensure they are prepared to take delivery.
{Customer}:
Hmm ... that does not answer the question. Not sure what NMAC stands for, but I assume it is the financing arm for the lease. So, again, do I have to provide financial information to the Dealer before it will place the order ?
Erica:
I am not sure, {Customer}, but if I were you, I would have it handy just in case.
{Customer}:
Let me tell you why I am spending so much effort/time on this question. I am not yet sure who in the household will get the car. It might be my son.
{Customer}:
Are we LOCKED into the choices we make during the OP, for example, Lease versus Purchase ? Cash versus financing ? Or can these choices be changed at the dealer either at any time after ordering or as late as day of delivery ?
Erica:
Reservations are only valid for the individual who makes reservations and cannot be transferred, traded, assigned or sold.
{Customer}:
Oops. That's interesting. Ok. Thanks for the info so far … let’s move on. Is the Home Assessment required to have been completed PRIOR to the OP ?
Erica:
You will confirm your vehicle configurations during the order process. Once they have been confirmed by you, then they are finalized.
Erica:
You will have to at least have scheduled your home assessment prior to placing the order for your Nissan LEAF.
{Customer}:
Thank you. Are the following items included as STANDARD or OPTIONS in the price of the SL model: 1] backup camera and monitor; 2] Level 3 Charging Port ?
Erica:
The vehicle is well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and a data-control module for remote connectivity to the vehicle (for remote programming capabilities, including pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control). The Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel, and front and rear bumper fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent-key with push button start; and XM satellite radio capabilities. Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags.
The upper trim level, for $940, adds several convenience features, including rearview monitor; solar panel spoiler; fog lights; automatic headlight on-off; and a cargo cover. The Level 3 Charging Port will be an additional option to add to the package for the SL model of the Nissan LEAF.
{Customer}:
How much does the Level 3 charging port/function cost ?
Erica:
We are still working on those details. However, the best way to ensure you have the information you need when the time comes is to register for e-mail updates about the Nissan LEAF at http://www.nissanusa.com.
{Customer}:
I am registered. Will the price be known on the day of the OP ? The same question for the Residual Value on the Lease ...
Erica:
That information will be available closer to the launch of the Nissan LEAF. You may inquire about that when you are contacted by Nissan to confirm your vehicle configurations. All financing details will be discussed with your preferred LEAF certified Nissan dealer.
{Customer}:
Thanks. Can I expect my August Order to result in a December delivery ? What happens if the delivery is delayed to January 2011 ? Then I might be screwed from a tax planning perspective !
Erica:
You will receive a finalized delivery date after placing your order for your Nissan LEAF. It is our understanding that the program will continue until funding is depleted, but please verify with the state.
{Customer}:
Thanks for that, but it is also the Federal Tax planning that's affected.
{Customer}:
I STRONGLY URGE Nissan to get the OP defined and ASAP provide this information to all August Order Reservationists so that we have a chance to prepare our information for the OrderNow day. If Nissan does this NOW the process will go much more smoothly. Please pass this REQUEST along to the appropriate people managing the OP.
Erica:
All persons considering use of available incentives should consult with their own tax professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of benefit available, if any, and further details. Is there anything else that I can assist you with today, {Customer}?
{Customer}:
Erica, thank your for all your time and effort. I know I have been asking some hard questions. YOU HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL. I appreciate your service.
{Customer}:
I am open to receiving a phone call (you have my number) from Nissan regarding feedback PRIOR to the start of the OP. Please provide the transcript of this session to appropriate personnel.
Erica:
I will have a copy of this chat sent to <Customer-EmailAddr> . Before we end our conversation, I want to ensure your needs have been met. Do you have any additional questions about what we discussed today?
{Customer}:
No. And THANKS again. Looking forward to driving GAS FREE !
Erica:
I appreciate your enthusiasm in receiving your Nissan LEAF, {Customer}. Please feel free to visit our website often for updates about the Nissan LEAF, and encourage your friends to contact us with their questions. Thank you for contacting Nissan Electric Vehicle Customer Support. To help us improve our service, would you mind taking a brief survey? If you would like to do so, please click on the Exit Chat button below. Thank you again for contacting Nissan Electric Vehicle Customer Support. Have a great day, {Customer}.
{Customer}:
Thanks. Bye.
Visitor {Customer} has ended the chat.
Approx Saturday, August 14, 2010 09:27 AM PDT
I've had some concerns. I decided to go to the horse's mouth. There's some nuggets in here. Maybe the info will help others. Please find below a copy of a chat from this morning with personal info redacted (California resident). I can't really answer any questions, the info is being presented simply AS-IS, and is pretty self-explanatory. If you want to quote, for example, some of the nuggets, for brevity please remove all extraneous non-pertinent text (sorry, a pet-peeve of mine when a respondent quotes the entire piece, rather than just the pertinent excerpt, it makes it SO HARD to read and lengthens this thread ad nauseum).
==============================================================================
Saturday, August 14, 2010 08:40:53 AM PDT (8/14/2010 3:40:53 PM - GMT)
Welcome to EV Customer Support, Erica will be right with you.
Erica:
Thank you for contacting Nissan Electric Vehicle Customer Support, my name is Erica. How may I help you today, {Customer}?
{Customer}:
Good morning, Erica !
{Customer}:
I have several questions regarding the ordering procedure ("OP" for short).
Erica:
Good morning, and thank you for your interest in the Nissan LEAF. I will be happy to assist you today, {Customer}. In order to accurately log the demographics of our inquiries, would you mind providing your last name, zip code, and phone number?
{Customer}:
<Customer-LastName>, <Customer-ZipCode>, <Customer-TelNum>.
Erica:
Thank you for your information, {Customer}. How may I help you today?
{Customer}:
When will August order reservationists receive the OrderNow email, Aug 27 ?
Erica:
We do not know the exact date when the e-mails will go out. If you have received an e-mail saying that you will be able to place your order for your Nissan LEAF in August, please continue to check your e-mails for the one that Nissan will send you when it is time for you to place your order.
{Customer}:
Thanks. Is the dealer that’s currently our preferred dealer the one from whom we have to request the first quote, or are we free to select any dealer during the OP ?
Erica:
The dealer that you chose as your preferred dealer should be the dealer from whom you would like to request your first quote. That is the point of letting the customer pick their preferred dealer. If you do not like their quote, you can decline that quote and request a quote from another dealer.
{Customer}:
Thank you. What information has to be provided and what selections have to be made during OP ? For example: Color, trim level, Level 3 Charging Port, Purchase versus Lease, cash versus financing ?
Erica:
All of the above.
{Customer}:
Anything else that I missed ?
Erica:
Whether you have a car to trade in, and if you have had your home assessment done or not.
{Customer}:
Ok. How is it possible for the Dealer to make a LEASE offer during the OP without having all of the customer’s financial information, including credit rating ?
Erica:
All financing information will be discussed with the LEAF certified Nissan dealer at the appropriate time during their purchase process of the Nissan LEAF.
{Customer}:
You said "purchase process". Is this the same as the "OrderingProcedure" ? In other words, does this information also have to be provided BEFORE the Dealer places the order for the LEAF ?
Erica:
A month before their car arrives, customers will begin to receive weekly updates. They’ll also be able to get NMAC pre-approval and receive an online checklist to ensure they are prepared to take delivery.
{Customer}:
Hmm ... that does not answer the question. Not sure what NMAC stands for, but I assume it is the financing arm for the lease. So, again, do I have to provide financial information to the Dealer before it will place the order ?
Erica:
I am not sure, {Customer}, but if I were you, I would have it handy just in case.
{Customer}:
Let me tell you why I am spending so much effort/time on this question. I am not yet sure who in the household will get the car. It might be my son.
{Customer}:
Are we LOCKED into the choices we make during the OP, for example, Lease versus Purchase ? Cash versus financing ? Or can these choices be changed at the dealer either at any time after ordering or as late as day of delivery ?
Erica:
Reservations are only valid for the individual who makes reservations and cannot be transferred, traded, assigned or sold.
{Customer}:
Oops. That's interesting. Ok. Thanks for the info so far … let’s move on. Is the Home Assessment required to have been completed PRIOR to the OP ?
Erica:
You will confirm your vehicle configurations during the order process. Once they have been confirmed by you, then they are finalized.
Erica:
You will have to at least have scheduled your home assessment prior to placing the order for your Nissan LEAF.
{Customer}:
Thank you. Are the following items included as STANDARD or OPTIONS in the price of the SL model: 1] backup camera and monitor; 2] Level 3 Charging Port ?
Erica:
The vehicle is well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and a data-control module for remote connectivity to the vehicle (for remote programming capabilities, including pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control). The Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel, and front and rear bumper fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent-key with push button start; and XM satellite radio capabilities. Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags.
The upper trim level, for $940, adds several convenience features, including rearview monitor; solar panel spoiler; fog lights; automatic headlight on-off; and a cargo cover. The Level 3 Charging Port will be an additional option to add to the package for the SL model of the Nissan LEAF.
{Customer}:
How much does the Level 3 charging port/function cost ?
Erica:
We are still working on those details. However, the best way to ensure you have the information you need when the time comes is to register for e-mail updates about the Nissan LEAF at http://www.nissanusa.com.
{Customer}:
I am registered. Will the price be known on the day of the OP ? The same question for the Residual Value on the Lease ...
Erica:
That information will be available closer to the launch of the Nissan LEAF. You may inquire about that when you are contacted by Nissan to confirm your vehicle configurations. All financing details will be discussed with your preferred LEAF certified Nissan dealer.
{Customer}:
Thanks. Can I expect my August Order to result in a December delivery ? What happens if the delivery is delayed to January 2011 ? Then I might be screwed from a tax planning perspective !
Erica:
You will receive a finalized delivery date after placing your order for your Nissan LEAF. It is our understanding that the program will continue until funding is depleted, but please verify with the state.
{Customer}:
Thanks for that, but it is also the Federal Tax planning that's affected.
{Customer}:
I STRONGLY URGE Nissan to get the OP defined and ASAP provide this information to all August Order Reservationists so that we have a chance to prepare our information for the OrderNow day. If Nissan does this NOW the process will go much more smoothly. Please pass this REQUEST along to the appropriate people managing the OP.
Erica:
All persons considering use of available incentives should consult with their own tax professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of benefit available, if any, and further details. Is there anything else that I can assist you with today, {Customer}?
{Customer}:
Erica, thank your for all your time and effort. I know I have been asking some hard questions. YOU HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL. I appreciate your service.
{Customer}:
I am open to receiving a phone call (you have my number) from Nissan regarding feedback PRIOR to the start of the OP. Please provide the transcript of this session to appropriate personnel.
Erica:
I will have a copy of this chat sent to <Customer-EmailAddr> . Before we end our conversation, I want to ensure your needs have been met. Do you have any additional questions about what we discussed today?
{Customer}:
No. And THANKS again. Looking forward to driving GAS FREE !
Erica:
I appreciate your enthusiasm in receiving your Nissan LEAF, {Customer}. Please feel free to visit our website often for updates about the Nissan LEAF, and encourage your friends to contact us with their questions. Thank you for contacting Nissan Electric Vehicle Customer Support. To help us improve our service, would you mind taking a brief survey? If you would like to do so, please click on the Exit Chat button below. Thank you again for contacting Nissan Electric Vehicle Customer Support. Have a great day, {Customer}.
{Customer}:
Thanks. Bye.
Visitor {Customer} has ended the chat.
Approx Saturday, August 14, 2010 09:27 AM PDT