Hey guys! I know things aren't moving along as fast as we would like right now (i want you all out there with me, trust me, being the only one on the road has it's downsides), but in the grand scheme of things most of you are just moments away from your own personal automotive revolution. And don't forget buyers aren't the only ones feeling impatient, everyone I've spoken with the last couple weeks, up and down the chain at Nissan, dealerships, partners, etc are really wishing things were going faster. But from everything I've heard and read, it is all about getting it right with each and every vehicle. With such a small first batch, 1 or 2 duds could really affect things. The assembly line speed is being cranked up as each part of the process is validated. See article here:
http://www.manufacturingdigital.com...leaf-production-reach-full-capacity-end-march
The author of this is a little off because the demand was known last April, but the point is the manufacturing/mass production side takes time. I don't know how many of you knew this but those LEAFs we test drove at the traveling event were perhaps the most expensive cars any of us have ever sat in. I wasn't told any figures, but all of those were hand-built. Today they are coming off of an assembly line. I know none of this probably helps, but there are good reasons for the delay and ones that mostly likely we'd all be thankful for.
Now as far as my selection for the Jan delivery, I don't pretend to know the process that went on inside of Nissan, but from my experience here is what happened. As a senior Nissan executive attested to in several of the articles, the Houston area was selected for the stated reason. On top of that there was a particular vehicle available (color and factory options) for delivery. Those factors coupled with order date allowed them to select 5 candidates for the honor. Remember at that point, all they knew about anybody was what basic info was supplied on each person's reservation and order. On Wed morning, Jan 12th, I got a call telling me I was one of 5 potential recipients of the first LEAF. I was asked if I was interested and able to make myself available for the media events. Then I was asked to briefly tell a little about myself. During that conversation, I told them about how I became interested in the LEAF and how I was going to use it. I may have mentioned details about my family but I can't remember. I do remember feeling that it was a very comfortable conversation and yet I didn't think I would be upset if it wasn't us. We are definitely "behind the scenes" type people and just the prospect of all that attention gave me a good bit of anxiety that afternoon. I was told I would get a call back in a few hours to let us know one way or the other. Well, as you know, the call came back in the positive and I was told that they liked the idea that I had a 70 mile commute and wanted to promote the capabilities of the vehicle. It was then we talked about my above average height, fitting all the kids in, and I asked if it was going to be an issue that I worked for NRG. They checked and said it was fine. I was asked to keep it quiet and stay off the forum until everything was arranged and ready to go. The next week Clear Lake Nissan was notified and late in that week the announcement was made. So, that's the whole story from what I know. Much more methodical and serendipitous than many theories out there. It did work out really well from a marketing persepective with the partners involved, but as I participated in the prepartations it was clear that much of it was just an unexpected blessing that gave an added voice to the message the LEAF is bringing to the automotive world. Now that this dead horse is sufficiently beaten, I would be glad to answer any questions in the unlikely event that one exists.
As far as pictures go, the Internet Manager at Clear Lake Nissan, Yvonne, has done a great job at collecting many pictures and articles so let me direct you there instead of attempting my own version. It is on their facebook page, here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clear-Lake-Nissan/181353585220373?sk=wall
The events of last week were pretty well documented, so I won't spend time rehashing, except to say that it was an infinitely more fun and enjoyable experience than my initial anxiety had set me up for. In addition to the delivery event, we got to participate in a presentation at the Auto Show media day on Wed. Besides getting to hang out with some of the amazing people we got to meet over the last 2 weeks, the highlight for me was getting to drive the LEAF there and back! And on the way home, I met up with one of the eVgo guys to try out a DC Quick Charge. I can share more about that later if anyone cares.
Finally, to address the present situation! This car is AWESOME! I could go on and on, but instead of that I'll try to respond to questions that any of you might have to keep the posts relevant. So ask away, anything is fair game and I hope I can help in some way.
And because I can't resist and am trying to best Shawn's neverending post, one quick story from earlier today. My obsessively competitive nature has caused me up to this point to almost exclusively focus on how to get the highest possible average mi/kWh. CARWINGS has a ranking system within your region of the best averages and I was determined to be number 1 (besides how many others could there be in my region anyway?). After the first few days I was #5 with a 4.8 average and the polite navigation lady (who you'll soon get to meet in your own LEAF) informed me that the top average was 8 point something. So this morning, knowing there wouldn't be many other cars on the road, I decided to do whatever it took to achieve > 8 avg during my 19 mile round trip to church. I drove excruciatingly slow, accelerated slowly, coasted at all possible times and was only able to get a 5.5 avg. The only thing I got more than 8 of was middle fingers and curse words hurled in my direction! So before I give the LEAF a bad name on the road, I'm retiring from my quest for the top driving efficiency. Maybe one of you will have better luck or more skill (or maybe a nonstop downhill route?!). Btw, if 8+ was in any way sustainable, wouldn't that mean an almost 200 mile range?
If you made it this far, you are a true LEAF enthusiast, or my mother. Hi Mom!
Jimmy
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