Japan, reeling from a humanitarian and nuclear crisis after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake, is a key supplier to the global auto industry. In the UK, Richard Todd was the first British customer to place an order for the zero emission LEAF when the books opened last September.
Nissan said the five-seater hatchback was rated with a range of 200 km (124 miles) on a full charge under Japanese test standards, although
Californian authorities have rated it at 160 km (100 miles) and another U.S. agency at just 73 miles. More than 300 of the pre-sold vehicles will be handed over to their British owners in the next two weeks. But with Japan s disrupted supply chain, it may be some time before any new customers can get hold of the vehicle.