<div id="subtitle">$1.4 billion federal loan for Nissan means up to 1,300 new jobs in Tennessee</div><div><p>The U.S. Department of Energy has closed a $1.4 billion loan agreement with Nissan North America, Inc. that means the automaker will be creating up to 1,300 jobs in Tennessee to make the all-electric Leaf and lithium-ion battery packs to power them.</p><p>Secretary of Energy Steven Chu said the previously announced loan transaction was issued as part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. Congress authorized that $25 billion program as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.</p><p>Nissan NA senior vice president Scott Becker said in the agency's Thursday statement that the loan will bring production of the Leaf to Tennessee.</p><p>Modification of the Smyrna plant will begin later this year. It includes a new battery plant and changes to accommodate electric-vehicle assembly.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=67985236&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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