2011 Nissan Leaf ready to go on sale in April

Automaker taking $100 reservation deposits

Leaf is Nissan's 1st battery-electric vehicle

Company just finished 24-city promotion tour

Deposits ensure customers will be 1st for formal orders in Aug

Nissan received government aid to modify TN assembly plant for Leaf

Nissan planning phased rollout, starting in Dec for select markets

Still no final price but vehicle will be offered for sale or lease

Nissan had considered selling vehicle, leasing battery pack

Would allow battery costs to be in line w/ average gas costs

No explanation on why strategy was reversed

Nissan also setting up alliances for rental cars, home charging stations

"The Nissan LEAF purchase process is effortless, transparent and accessible, offering value with a one-stop-shop approach for everything related to the car, including the assessment, permitting and installation of in-homebattery charging units." -- Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas