•2018 LEAF EV, with all-new design and improved driving range1, makes first public appearance at Technology in Motion (TIM), which runs through Sept. 8 at Detroit's Cobo Center

•Chris Reed, vice president, Nissan Technical Center North America, details North American contribution to second-generation Nissan LEAF electric vehicle

•Topics discussed include Nissan Intelligent Mobility – a global initiative that focuses on how Nissan vehicles are driven, powered and integrated into society

•Nissan's TIM participation part of 'Nissan LEAF Reveal Week,' which includes global and U.S. media introductions

DETROIT – Nissan Technical Center North America Vice President Chris Reed was the featured speaker today in the opening event of the inaugural Technology in Motion Exhibition in downtown Detroit. In a far-ranging 'fireside chat' moderated by Automotive News Executive Editor Jason Stein, Reed discussed how the all-new second-generation Nissan LEAF is the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility – Intelligent Driving, Intelligent Power and Intelligent Integration.

The 2018 LEAF goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early 2018. The new LEAF made its global debut yesterday and offers an aerodynamic exterior, roomy high-tech interior and advanced technologies including ProPILOT™ Assist and e-Pedal. The new LEAF features an estimated 150-mile driving range and an announced starting MSRP2 of $29,990.

'Employees at Nissan Technical Center North America in Michigan and at Nissan's Arizona test facility played a big role in the development of the new vehicle, logging more than 178 million hours in the past two years alone,' said Reed. 'Another critical factor in our development efforts was the thousands of LEAF owners in the U.S. Their input helped guide our efforts.'

To date, Nissan LEAF sales in the United States total 112,128 and more than 283,000 globally.

The new LEAF will be on display throughout the three-day TIM event at the recently renovated Cobo Center. The Nissan exhibit space (Booth #800) showcases examples of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, including a Nissan Rogue concept equipped with ProPILOT™ Assist. The new ProPILOT™ Assist eases driver workload by reducing the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking inputs under certain driving conditions. While a 'hands-on' system, it shows Nissan's drive to develop future autonomous drive technologies.

Following its appearance at TIM, the next-generation Nissan LEAF begins making public appearances at National Drive Electric Week events in eight U.S. cities. Nissan LEAF is the official sponsor of National Drive Electric Week for the third straight year.

For more information on the 2018 LEAF and the complete Nissan vehicle lineup, please visit nissannews.com.