(September 28, 2010) Consumer interest for the Nissan LEAF continues to grow, as Nissan last week marked its 20,000th reservation for the 100-percent electric car.

Nissan had anticipated reaching its stated target of 20,000 reservations at the time of the first U.S. Nissan LEAF delivery, in December. This achievement comes three months ahead of schedule and just days before Nissan kicks off the “Drive Electric Tour.”

The 23-city tour will give reservation holders and those interested in driving a Nissan LEAF a chance to experience all-electric driving firsthand.

Achieving 20,000 reservations marks the successful completion of the first phase of the Nissan LEAF rollout, which began more than five months ago, and no further reservations will be taken until next year.

Consumers who already have made reservations will continue to have the opportunity to purchase or lease an all-electric Nissan LEAF. Nissan is following its planned order-release timing for existing reservationists. Orders have been prioritized based on market timing and when consumers submitted their original reservations online and paid their refundable $99 reservation fee.

Those who are interested in the Nissan LEAF but have yet to make reservations are invited to sign up for information and updates on www.nissanusa.com. They will be contacted in advance of the next phase of vehicle reservations.

“As of today, 20,000 consumers have spoken, and they are choosing the Nissan LEAF and a zero-emission future,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. “We, along with our dealers, now look forward to focusing on providing an absolute top-level purchase experience to our first customers, and to help ensure that the transition to gas-free driving is a seamless one. We invite all who are interested in experiencing the Nissan LEAF to join us at the upcoming Drive Electric Tour, which is coming to 23 cities beginning this fall.”

Consumers and other interested drivers will have the first opportunity to test-drive a Nissan LEAF in select markets starting Oct. 1.