Nissan Announces Delivery and Pricing for New Altra EV Electric Vehicle

Carson, CA - December 21,1998 - Nissan today announced initial delivery and pricing information for its Altra EV electric vehicle, the zero emission vehicle developed for use in the United States. The Altra EV incorporates the versatility of a compact van with the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle.

The 1998 Nissan demonstration fleet program in California consists of 30 units with 98 additional units to follow in 1999/2000. To further evaluate the advanced technology of the Altra EV, these vehicles have been made available to select fleet customers and Nissan employees. Retail availability for the general public will be announced at a later date. The first 15 units will be leased to the following utility companies: Southern California Edison Company (6), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (3), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (4), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (2).

"The Altra EV successfully aids the environment without compromising its usefulness," said James Scheidler, a Southern California Edison electric vehicle fleet engineer. "We're excited about using these environmentally friendly vehicles and grateful to Nissan for the opportunity to do so."

The remaining 15 units available in 1998 have been leased by Nissan employees at the company's Carson headquarters.

Altra EV's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $50,999 and a lease price of $599 per month for three years, with unlimited mileage. The lease price includes a bumper-to-bumper warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance. Additionally, this price incorporates a $5,000 buy down incentive from participating Air Quality Management Districts.

"We've enjoyed a very positive response to the Altra EV - particularly for its styling, spacious design and range." said Mark Perry, Nissan's corporate manager of category marketing. "We believe the Altra EV clearly demonstrates that it's possible to have the best of both worlds: zero emissions and high utility."

Altra EV, manufactured on an all-new platform at Nissan's Tochigi assembly plant, is the first production electric vehicle in the United States to use a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The Li-ion battery, developed jointly by Nissan and Sony Corporation, offers a greater energy charge from a lighter battery pack. The Li-ion battery renders a practical driving range of 80-100 miles and takes only five hours to completely recharge. Other primary benefits of the Li-ion battery include an accurate state-of-charge measurement without the "memory effects." The Altra also features an 83 horsepower/62 kW neodymium permanent magnet synchronous AC electric motor.

Standard features on the Altra EV include front and rear ABS brakes, pre-programmable air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, dual airbags, remote keyless entry, state of charge (SOC) control system, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, front and rear captain's chairs, and a 100-watts AM/FM/CD audio system.

In North America, Nissan's operations include styling, engineering, manufacturing, sales, consumer and corporate financing, and industrial and textile equipment. Nissan in North America employs more than 20,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and generates more than 70,000 jobs through more than 1,500 Nissan and Infiniti dealerships across the continent. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan-usa.com and www.nissan-na.com.

For More Information:
Gina Pasco, Nissan EV and Technology Public Relations, 310 771 3416
Bill Garlin, Nissan New Model Design & Technology Public Relations,
310 771 5351

Or visit the Nissan Online News Bureau at www.nissannews.com