AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV) expands relationship with Nissan into Canada

Nissan Canada seems to be the first international extension of the supplier relationship with AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV). This expansion into Canada will supply electric vehicle home-charging docks and web-enabled installation services supporting the introduction of the Nissan LEAF.

For the record, AeroVironment’s home-charging docks are designed to provide a safe and reliable charge when installed with a connection to a 240-volt line. It will take only seven hours to fully charge the Nissan LEAF from a fully discharged state.

AeroVironment was selected, not only as a result of its leadership in EV infrastructure, but a dependable end-to-end solution and shared vision of an all-electric ecosystem. AV is a proven leader in the market with thousands of real-world installations, including more than 2,500 AeroVironment Level 2 home and public charging stations in 21 U.S. states since late 2010.

Home charging represents a practical and convenient “refueling” method for Nissan LEAF customers. To enable the swift installation of charging docks AeroVironment’s network of qualified, licensed electricians will offer pre-installation home assessment services prior to vehicle delivery, and install according to each home’s layout and the individual driver’s needs.

“Part of Nissan’s commitment to bringing zero-emission mobility to the mass market is providing a one-stop service for the new car owner, which is why we chose to partner with AeroVironment,” added Wheeler. “By the time drivers pick up their Nissan LEAFs, they will be able to charge their vehicles safely overnight in their own homes.”

Web Portal

The company has also customized its turnkey online Web portal and installation processes to offer Nissan customers assessment and installation support through a user-friendly Web portal. Easy customization and scalability of AeroVironment’s foundational back-office systems is a cornerstone of its ability to help its customers go to market quickly.

Early interest in the Nissan LEAF has been highly encouraging with over 15,000 Canadians registered on the microsite.

Through Model Year 12, Nissan expects to release around 600 Nissan Leaf on the Canadian market. In addition to these MY 12 models, Nissan Canada has secured 100 MY11 Nissan LEAFs with 40 allocated to consumers, ahead of the arrival of MY12 cars which will start to arrive later this year.

Reservation Required

Reservations for the MY11 Nissan LEAFs will open at the end of August, with delivery dates to those consumers in early fall. Within a short time, reservations will reopen for MY12 orders.

“We’re excited to be able to offer a limited number of 2011s to Canadians, who are anxious to be among the first to own one of the most innovative cars in the market,” said Judy Wheeler, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada, Inc. “We’re rolling out the reservation process in stages because we anticipate demand to exceed supply until 2013, when we reach full production capacity at the new plant in Tennessee.”

In late August, Nissan will open up the first opportunity to reserve a Nissan LEAF to those registered on the website (www.nissan.ca/leaf) and who live within the vicinity of a Nissan LEAF-certified dealer (dealer list will be confirmed in the coming weeks). With 40 MY11 Nissan LEAFs available, orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Within a short time, reservations will re-open for the first wave of 2012 cars allocated to the Canadian market.

According to the Reservation Process, the following will occur:

1) In late August, reservations will open to those registered at www.nissan.ca/leaf and living within the vicinity of a Nissan LEAF certified dealer. All details, including exact timing for the opening of reservations, will be distributed via email in advance.
2) A $99 reservation fee (fully refundable) is required to secure a reservation.
3) After booking a home-charging assessment, customers will receive an invitation to order a Nissan LEAF.
4) Customers request a quote from a local Nissan LEAF-certified dealer and will continue through the sales process until they drive away in their own Nissan LEAF.

[Nissan Leaf photo by permission of media.nissan.ca ]

Full Disclosure: At time of publication, Sherosky, creator of the auto sector charts for TN, has a small position in AVAV as part of his long-term retirement account. None of the information in this article constitutes a recommendation, but an assessment or opinion.

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About the Reporter: After 39 years in the auto industry as a design engineer, Frank Sherosky now trades stocks, futures and writes articles, books and ebooks like, "Perfecting Corporate Character," "Awaken Your Speculator Mind", and "Millennial World Order" via authorfrank.com. He may be contacted here by email: [email protected]

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