Nissan LEAF gets greener

Admiration is the automatic response when a large company makes choices to put environment alongside capital, and Nissan is just one of those companies.

They are committed to making a difference. Taking into account all the desires of American consumers, their wide- eyed perspective balances sustainability, technology, comfort and local production. One by one, each of these categories form an entire initiative, giving to us today the Nissan LEAF.

My interview took me into the LEAF, literally. Easy to get into, my body relaxed in the comfort of the seats. From there, the center console was pointed out with pride.

"Look, we have the technology to give an aerial view of the car to assist in the ever-growing need to parallel park," explained the technical expert. Even though I am not so spatially challenged, the attraction to use it was quite infectious, making driving feel like a race car ride at an amusement park. With the daily stress of being in our cars, technology is well applied here to create ease, efficiency and playfulness.

The LEAF can travel up to 100 miles, and they continue to make progress. Soon, the progress will all be carried out here in our own country. Yes, Nissan has a budding plant in Tennessee, beginning production and hopefully the first step in keeping all the innovation and creation here in America.

They definitely are putting the focus on making money in direct proportion to the desire to be socially responsible to our planet, and they are conscious of the effects of outsourcing.

The attraction continues as the general manager and I discuss the adaptation that happens when you ride in a silent car. All of the sudden your awareness is driven, forgive the pun, to pay attention. The habitual sounds that signal you, like the relationship to hearing rpms and the speed increase, disappear as you sit in a silent moving cloud. As a meditation teacher I could add the LEAF to my toolbox of options for those seeking to heighten their simplicity and focus in life. Silence creates an opening for greater creativity and productivity in life, and perhaps some day researchers will let us know the benefits of driving in silent cars. Most assuredly, NISSAN will be on board for attention with its LEAF and the models to come.

NISSAN is a big company continuing to support the local community. As a main sponsor of Vibrance! Natural Living Festival Saturday, Nov. 9, in downtown Sarasota, they will have two cars to explore, as well as experts to answer questions.

This article is brought to you by:

TWIS, a proud media sponsor of Vibrance! Natural Living Festival

Kimberly Braun, Catalyst, Activator and Guide. Kimberlybraun.com, vibrancesrq.com

Stephen McFadden, videographer and artistic creator. Mcfaddencreative.com