Nissan to sell 15 hybrids by 2016; Altima Hybrid likely to return
Nissan realizes it needs to build more hybrids instead of slow-selling EVs.
After cutting its only hybrid in 2011, Nissan says it will offer 15 new models by 2016 in a concerted effort to compete with its Japanese rivals and reduce its overall carbon emissions. Instead of launching a gradual buildup of gas-electric cars -- many automakers are just now introducing their first plug-in hybrids -- Nissan went straight to full-electric with its Leaf in late 2010.
Although Nissan was the first to introduce a mass-production EV in all 50 states, demand for electric cars remains low, so much so that other automakers, including hybrid leaders Honda and Toyota, are only selling limited numbers of EVs in just a handful of states. Still, Nissan says it has begun manufacturing batteries at its Smyrna, Tenn., plant and plans to build the Leaf there next year.
But with Toyota's rapid expansion of its Prius lineup, Honda's new trio of sophisticated hybrid powertrains, and sleek models from Kia and Ford, Nissan can't ignore hybrids anymore. Its first and only hybrid, the Altima Hybrid, was a lukewarm effort. The powertrain was licensed from Toyota, only it was less refined and efficient than competitors. In total, the Altima Hybrid sold fewer than 37,000 units in just eight states.
Nissan did not say what hybrid models it would introduce, but we'll bet the Altima Hybrid will return, given the 2013 model's well-received redesign and impressive 38-mpg highway fuel economy. We'll also put money on hybrid versions of the Maxima, Sentra and Murano, and, possibly, plug-in versions of the Altima to go head-to-head with the Fusion Energi and Accord Plug-in. With Mitsubishi planning a plug-in Outlander for 2014, a Pathfinder hybrid isn't out of the question, either, now that it has abandoned heavy body-on-frame construction.
Of course, Nissan's luxury brand has kept the Infiniti M Hybrid, but it's not a very profitable model. The smaller, best-selling G sedan would be a worthier candidate to battle the BMW ActiveHybrid 3. An EX hybrid, to compete with the upcoming Audi Q5 hybrid, would also work well since it's based on the G.
None of this is official, as automakers never comment on future products. Stay tuned.
[Source: Nissan]
Just a heads-up for those of you asking "why not more diesels?", you can only extract so much diesel from a barrel of oil. A 42-gallon barrel of oil will typically yield about 10 gallons of diesel and 19 gallons of gasoline. The Europeans already import diesel from the United States. If many more cars in the US started using diesel, it would create a shortage, driving up prices. If you think diesel is expensive compared to gasoline now, imagine what would happen to demand if more diesel cars were on the road here.
Anyone that don't know that electric power is going to be the future is about as dumb as thinking gun control is going to stop people from killing.
As soon as the secret is out, that solar powered cells aren't that expensive to make, then we will have solar powered, or electric cars. I like the idea of a gas powered engine in case the sun goes down or electric fails.
I won't be around to see it, but nuclear power or something like it will finally replace petro fuel. Actually, I have seen it because I built 5 nuclear power plants. I wished I could live long enough to see the Arabs have to drink the oil to get any use out of it.
As said below, EV's are the future. We are in "early adopter" mode now, it allows early sales to recoup R&D costs. As technology improves and costs come down they will sell more and more.
The EV-1 failed for the same reason the current models are struggling, battery technology is not quite ready for prime time. However progress is being made. The Ford Fusion EV charges in half the time the Leaf does.
Also, the EV-1 would have cost $85,000 in 90's dollars while the Leaf and Fusion EV are selling at one third that after rebates in today's dollars. That is huge progress.
As technology continues to mature EV's will likely surpass gas cars before the end of the decade.
Actually, 1/3 of all vehicles Volkswagen AG sells in the United States are clean diesels, with more on the way by company's own announcement (Audi included).
Also: Euro VI emissions are in line with the EPA tier II bin 5 emissions. Car manufacturers have already produced some models which are Euro VI compliant, with more on the way, since it will be the law. I leave you to draw the implications of that for selling diesels on the U.S. market.
Why would anyone want to buy an automatic-only sedan with a gasoline generator, when we can have a 2014 mazda6 CLEAN DIESEL with 310 lb/ft of torque at 1,800 all the way to 5,200, all the while getting a minimum of 38 MPG in the city and 50 MPG on the highway, AND with a six speed short throw manual shifter?
You can keep the Chevy Volt. I will buy a clean diesel with a manual transmission and love every microsecond of it.
Bad start, uncertain future, the American designed & built Chevy Volt still knocks the socks off of all Jap competitors. None of the Japanese car manufacturers can boast a 92% customer satisfaction with their offerings.
The Japanese need to go back to what they know best...copying everything, making swords and paper umbrellas.
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