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Old Aug 23rd, 2005, 06:03 AM   #11 (permalink)
mjd4277
Nissan Enthusiast
 
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hammond, Indiana
Posts: 51
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
07 is the year (released in 06) I read for the Hybrid Altima. And its going to cost around $30k,probably more, and available only in the 4cyl.


Here's the link: http://www.hybridcars.com/altima.html

Breaking ranks from most automakers, Nissan is not developing a hybrid program. Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said, "They make a nice story, but they're not a good business story yet because the value is lower than their costs."

According to Ghosn, the introduction of a hybrid Altima in 2006 is intended to help Nissan comply with fuel economy and emissions standards in states like California, not because he expects the hybrid model to make money or to fulfill any kind of corporate environmental goals.

To produce the Altima, Nissan is buying Toyota’s hybrid technology rather than developing its own. The second largest Japanese automaker will base the hybrid offering on its best-selling Altima, giving buyers another powertrain option on its popular model rather than creating an innovative new model.

The 4-cylinder Altima Hybrid will debut in 2006 as a 2007 model vehicle. Plans for the creation of the Altima Hybrid date back to 2002, when Nissan committed to producing 100,00 hybrid vehicles over five years using Toyota's transaxle, inverter, battery and control until with an engine developed by Nissan. The company will spend over $10 million to ready its Smyrna, Tennessee plan for the hybrid Altima assembly.

Instead of focusing primarily on fuel economy and reduced emissions, Nissan will try to match the performance and acceleration of non-hybrid models. “Most hybrids focus on smaller engines with environmental benefits like emitting cleaner exhaust fumes but Nissan’s hybrid will also have the same driver performance and speed as any Altima,” said Kyle Bazemore, Nissan communications senior manager.

Jack Collins, director of product planning for Nissan, said, "This is an area of opportunity to bring new people into the Nissan franchise, as we make our lineup stronger and add hybrid offerings now in the pipeline with Altima and Maxima."

By the time the Nissan Altima hybrid is available to consumers, the list of hybrid car offerings from Toyota, Honda, and Ford will include a wide range of models and sizes. Consumers will probably have two or three midsize hybrids to compare against the Altima in terms of fuel economy, emissions, and performance.
Once again, Carlos"Le Cost Cutter" Ghosn is living up to hes reputation!
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