At least part of the lower price is due to the fact that, for the first time, the Leaf will be produced domestically, in a new LEAF production facility in Smyrna, TN. Ghosn demurred on a sales goal for 2013 model, but noted that it was fair to assume it would be “at least 20 percent higher” than 2012. Meanwhile, Global Vice President of Leaf Sales Billy Hayes was quick to remind what really draws buyers to electric vehicles like the LEAF. “We get so caught up in talking about the technology and the green” he said, “but the car is really great to drive.”
