Nissan Exec Still Not Sold on Hybrids

Look at Toyota and u tell me hybrid aint working !!!

They still say they are losing money on each and every one. And the typical consumer never sees a financial benefit either.

But that is looking at it from only a monetary standpoint, not an ecological one.

There are brand influences to be considered too. Hey if profit per vehicle were the only measure then Chrysler and Ford should be closed today - and the article should read "auto industry is a lousy place to invest".

In all another silly posting curtesy of Agent 009

It is pretty well documented about the economic benefits of a hybrid. But those that buy the Hybrids typically are not motivated by the economics. They truly go to the beat of a different drummer, and that may not be a bad idea.

It maybe working, but it's not profitable. Companies need to invest a lot of money in the technology, before they can see a profit. This is a company just coming off of corporate restructing.

Do you guys still have Beta VCR's laying around the house?

Look, its an okay technology but still just a temporary one. Hybrids make up such a small portion of Toyota's business it's almost insignificant. The biggest success those vehicles have enjoyed is driving customers to the showroom, so they can be sold something else by a smart Toyota salesperson who ends up selling something out of stock. Even these guys can explain away the cost/benefits of hybrid technology and sell customers a conventional car.

I'm betting that a lot of hybrid cars are going to be biting the dust in 5-10 years from now. If you look at the used car market down the road, who would buy an 8 or 10 year used old hybrid car for $10,000 knowing that they will need to spend $3000-$7000 on replacement batteries! Not to mention the other mainenance.

Diesel engines are the future not hybrid engines.

How about try a hybrid diesel ?

that is what i can't understnd, why can't Toyota or Honda can't try diesel hybrid???
may be they can't build as good as MB or VW diesel engines

(pchera01)
Thats why Toyota purchased part of Isuzu,so they can help Toyota to build high quality diesel engines.
I know Toyota make great engine,and I also know they don't make the best diesel engines,so alittle help never hurts,no company has the best of everything!!

They can develop a diesel-hybrid all they want, a turbo-diesel engine will still sell better and be more economical to produce.

Europe is one of the hardest markets to break. A lot of cars that you may think can achieve success, falter when they are formally introduced there.

And why are they making the Altima Hybrid, then?

Hybrid technology is an excellent one that given the time to mature, it will bring incredible benefits in many aspects, not just automotive.

WTF is wrong with people...look how long it took the POS IC engine to develop....how many years have we had it now and JUST recently can we honestly say that they are actually somewhat efficient? And people want results how quickly from hybrids?

LOL. Of course a Nissan rep is going to say exactly this. Even if it is true that Toyota and Honda are losing money on each one, they have already won the battle for consumer's hearts and minds...and are five+ years ahead of everyone else.

You know what I say to gearheads who hate hybrids and electric concepts? Just look in your toolbox. Tell me you don't love your 18 volt NiMH DeWalt tools...and tell me you don't want to upgrade to LiPoly tools now. In about ten years we'll be looking at a whole new breed of 10-second muscle cars...driven by electric motors. Do you really want to be the short-sighted loser detracting this technology now?