Hybrid Version of Nissan Altima to be Made in USA
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 05.28.05
After Toyota's announcement about the hybrid Camry, here comes Nissan: "Nissan Motor Co. said it would build gasoline-electric Altima sedans at a U.S. plant starting in late 2006, becoming the second Japanese carmaker to produce hybrid vehicles in the world's largest auto market. [...] The hybrid will be a 2007 model." Because of a partnership, part of the hybrid technology in the Altima will come from Toyota (the gas engine will come from Nissan, though). And there's more to come in the hybrid world because Ford is also expected to make hybrid versions of its Fusion and Milan midsize sedans by 2007.
::Nissan to Build Gas-Electric Altima, ::Nissan Unveils Altima Hybrid Prototype, ::Nissan to build gas-electric Altima sedans, ::Nissan Prepares Altima Hybrid for North America & ::Nissan is Next [by MGR]
Does Ford sell the Fusion and Milan in the US?
Ben,
The Milan should come out in 2006 under the Mercury brand, and the Fusion will come out in 2006 under the Ford brand. They are also planning a hybrid version of the Mercury Marriner (they take pre-orders starting in july of this year).