Nissan Plans To Build Hybrids In US In 2006 (Hybrid Altima In Works)

[hatrack]

TOKYO : Nissan Motor said it will begin producing hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles in the United States in 2006 with the help of Japan's top automaker Toyota Motor to meet rising demand.

Nissan, Japan's second-largest carmaker and controlled by Renault SA of France, will procure core hybrid vehicle components from Toyota and turn its Altima sedan into a hybrid car, said Nissan spokeswoman Mihoko Takeda.

"Demand for hybrid cars is growing in North America and we hope to meet that demand," Takeda said, adding Nissan planned to make 100,000 hybrid Altima sedans over a five-year period."

EDIT

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/126769/1/.html

[ET Awful]

1. I'll have to keep an eye on this one. I've LOVED my last two Nissans

Both Sentras, buut I've been thinking Altimaa for a while. I may very well get a hybrid Altima as my next vehicle. We'll see as more info becomes available.

[mdhunter]

2. I'm loving this

There will be so many hybrid options in 5 years...

I have to give credit to Ford, too, for planning to roll in 5 models with hybrid tech in the next few years - the only domestic doing so.

I've never bought a U.S. built automobile, and I have no need for an SUV, but I like the Escape hybrid, and might actually consider purchasing something similar down the road a bit.

[sellitman]

4. I want the

Ford Freestyle when it is offered in a Hybrid next year. It's not as clunky as a SUV and has room to spar.

[midnight armadillo]

5. Ford appears to 'get it'

Bill Ford, the CEO, is an environmentalist, and is determined to get Ford producing more earth-friendly vehicles. The Firestone/Explorer debacle cost them so much that hybrid plans were pushed back...it's good to see them moving ahead. Heck, I'd even consider a Ford hybrid if they fit my future needs, and I've only owned Japanese (and one Swedish, a Saab) cars.

Right now I figure the hybrid Toyota Sienna will be released right when we have enough kids to warrant one. Of course, that's if Bush doesn't torpedo the world economy before then!

[phantom power]

3. And so Toyota reaps the benefits of being first.

The companies that are playing catchup are either licensing Toyota's tech, or they're forced to wait until they can develop their own in-house.

Either way, Toyota wins. For fast reaction, you pay Toyota. Otherwise, you delay your market penetration, and Toytoa eats your lunch.