Nissan CEO, Carlos Ghosn, says the deal to buy Toyota's hybrid technology (synergy drive) won't last long. Toyota's hybrid techology will be used in the new Nissan Altima Hybrid, available in late 2006 or 2007.
At a press conference to announce Nissan's earnings for the fiscal year, Ghosn had this to say about the deal with Toyota: "I don't think this agreement will go for a very long time. We have other projects and are developing our own technology."
Nissan is currently working on their own hybrid technology but is far behind in its development. They have made some promising claims about their research, claiming their hybrid engine will be 35% smaller and cost 30% less than current hybrid systems. Its inverter alone will cost 30% less and be 20% smaller, with double the power.
The Nissan approach to hybrids has been cautious. For instance, the Altima Hybrid will only be available in eight states which have a zero emissions vehicle mandate. And just recently, Ghosn stated "Hybrid is a serious technology and it may be a very competitive technology. But until a consumer decides what he wants, we are cautious." And: "I hate selling cars at a loss," saying hybrids were not a profitable proposition.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Ghosn predicting Nissan's deal with Toyota won't last
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