Nissan planning luxury hybrid saloon ?
01-25-07, 08:02 AM
#1
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Nissan planning luxury hybrid saloon ?
Posted on Thursday 25 January 2007
Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has publicly stated that building fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles “make little sense” due to the high cost of developing the vehicles and the fact that current diesel technology is proven to have better mileage rates. Wheels magazine in Australia has commented on its website that Nissan is planning to build a front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR), luxury hybrid that would rival Lexus’ GS450h. Japanese sources claim the car will be based on the next Infiniti M45 (current version pictured) and should debut in the second half of 2010.
Nissan COO Toshiyuki Shiga has admitted in a speech to the media that the company will develop its own hybrid technology for use in the new vehicle. The FR configuration would mean the hybrid drivetrain could be used in Nissan’s other mainstream vehicles, including the next-generation FX35/45 SUV, Cima/Infiniti Q45 flagship or the Infiniti QX56 full-size SUV.
Major rivals Toyota and Honda are well ahead of Nissan in the hybrid stakes. The most likely reasons for Nissan’s lack of development of the clean technology is the costs involved, and whether the market is actually worth entering. Ghosn told Japanese media last week that from the mass marketing point of view, hybrids have yet to proven they’re a viable commercial proposition.
Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has publicly stated that building fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles “make little sense” due to the high cost of developing the vehicles and the fact that current diesel technology is proven to have better mileage rates. Wheels magazine in Australia has commented on its website that Nissan is planning to build a front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR), luxury hybrid that would rival Lexus’ GS450h. Japanese sources claim the car will be based on the next Infiniti M45 (current version pictured) and should debut in the second half of 2010.
Nissan COO Toshiyuki Shiga has admitted in a speech to the media that the company will develop its own hybrid technology for use in the new vehicle. The FR configuration would mean the hybrid drivetrain could be used in Nissan’s other mainstream vehicles, including the next-generation FX35/45 SUV, Cima/Infiniti Q45 flagship or the Infiniti QX56 full-size SUV.
Major rivals Toyota and Honda are well ahead of Nissan in the hybrid stakes. The most likely reasons for Nissan’s lack of development of the clean technology is the costs involved, and whether the market is actually worth entering. Ghosn told Japanese media last week that from the mass marketing point of view, hybrids have yet to proven they’re a viable commercial proposition.
01-25-07, 01:08 PM
#3
I think the problem is that Renault own Nissan and they have a good range of modern, fuel efficient diesel engines so there hasn't been the impetus to develop hybrid technology which still over promises and under delivers.
01-25-07, 01:11 PM
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If it happens it is a good move for Renault/Nissan and validifies that Lexus made a very smart and ahead of the game move with hybrids.
They have great engines for hp but way behind in tranny (5 speeds) and fuel economy (near worst in class).
I hope it happens!
They have great engines for hp but way behind in tranny (5 speeds) and fuel economy (near worst in class).
I hope it happens!
01-25-07, 02:58 PM
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Extrapolation of current trends by definition don't include disruptive innovation. In other words, Nissan or any manufacturer could come out with something new that rivals or beats the competition. It's not impossible.
01-25-07, 04:21 PM
#7
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They still have the Q equivalent, the Cima & the stretched & even more luxurious President in Japan, & I think they will continue the line & redesign them, & when the new one becomes available, they will make it available here too.
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01-25-07, 04:33 PM
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It would be good news, and ironic if Nissan did do that, considering Ghosn's comments about hybrids.
Problem is, by 2010-2011, it's very likely a 2nd generation GS hybrid will have come out.
Problem is, by 2010-2011, it's very likely a 2nd generation GS hybrid will have come out.
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