Nissan to abandon Toyota HSD - LiIon plug-in hybrid by 2010 instead

[clett]

Nissan is to develop its own hybrid system, and will stop licensing the HSD technology from Toyota.

Instead, they're going to release a new lithium-ion based plug-in hybrid by 2010.

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/09/re...san_t.html#more

I guess they've had a couple LiIon EVs on the public roads already, so plenty experience with these. Perhaps they now have the confidence that the market will be there to make them PHEV. But will they be first? Mitsubishi say 2009!

[keydiver]

I don't know if "abandon" is the correct word, it makes it sound defective somehow. I would hope that in 4 more years the technology has evolved significantly, and no one is using the EXACT HSD system we have today.

[SomervillePrius]

I'm not sure, reading the post I still wonder if Nissan ain't pulling out of the hybrid race. Selling an Altima using Prius technology seem like a loosing proposition. Anyone that finds out will buy a Prius instead. It's a more efficient car (and I doubt they can undercut the Prius by much through a license).
I've yet to see any proof that they are serious.
I think they and GM are simply doing lip service to the green movement. They say "sure we'll have a green cars in a few years. We might even have an almost working prototype in a coupld of years" while hoping the issue will go away.

So I guess I'm in the "I believe it when I see it" crowd. And until then I will keep maintianing my Prius longing for the day I want ANY other mass produced car on the market

[Tideland Prius]

Let's just say, if you want an HSD Camry, get the Camry Hybrid, if you want the THS-II Camry, get the Altima haha.

[Jonnycat26]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Sep 25 2006, 03:12 PM) [snapback]324798[/snapback]</div>

I think they and GM are simply doing lip service to the green movement. They say "sure we'll have a green cars in a few years. We might even have an almost working prototype in a coupld of years" while hoping the issue will go away.
[/b]

I think Edmunds said it best when they said (and I'm paraphrasing) GM's hybrid program is like an exocet missile. It's on the horizon and coming fast, and it's going to blindside everybody. From what I've read and what GM has said, this is how it's shaping up:

Vue (mild) - On Sale now
Aura (mild) - 1Q 07
Malibu (mild) -1Q 07

Vue (full AND mild) - Summer 07
Tahoe (full)- Summer 07
Escalade(full) - Fall/Winter 07
Equinox (mild) - Summer 07

Saab 93 (full) - Winter 07?

I'm really excited about the redesigned Vue (next year) being offered in Full and Mild. That's really going to be interesting to see which consumers choose...

[SomervillePrius]

A full hybrid (what ever that means) version of a Saab 93 would get my attention. Saab's used to be know for small engines with turbo's that got terrific gas milage. that was before GM bought them and killed the brand with rebadged gas guzzler (A v6 in a Saab? come on).

Hybrid's seem like they could work for both Saab and Volvo and it would be fun to see a none performance hybrid in a (somewhat) upscale badge

[john1701a]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Sep 28 2006, 09:17 AM) [snapback]325009[/snapback]</div>

A full hybrid (what ever that means)[/b]

If you don't know, you could be easily mislead. Some people already have been, believing all hybrids operate the same way when that most definitely is not true.

A "full" hybrid is a design that delivers the ability to utilize electricity in wide variety of ways, most notably being able to create & consume at the same time. The reason is simple, having more than one motor. That ability contributes to another, being able to drive using only electricity. Persistent recharging along with a power-split-device are the key elements.

Hybrids with one motor provide assistance only. They provide just passive recharging and have no way for the motor operate independently from the engine.

[Jonnycat26]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Sep 28 2006, 10:17 AM) [snapback]325009[/snapback]</div>

A full hybrid (what ever that means) version of a Saab 93 would get my attention. Saab's used to be know for small engines with turbo's that got terrific gas milage. that was before GM bought them and killed the brand with rebadged gas guzzler (A v6 in a Saab? come on).
[/b]

Well, the Full Hybrid Saab(pay no attention to the 1071aFUD machine) is based on the two mode system that is going to be used in the SUVs.

It seems that it's also going to be popping up in some BMWs and MBs (as they're part of the consortium designing the system).

But a Saab 4 Cylinder turbo + hybrid would be... pretty freakin sweet.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Sep 28 2006, 01:20 PM) [snapback]325221[/snapback]</div>

But a Saab 4 Cylinder turbo + hybrid would be... pretty freakin sweet.
[/b]

What he said. Assuming GM doesn't screw up. To be honest, the 9-2X and the 9-7X (Trailblazer) aren't disappointing to say the least and an embarrassment (imo) to Saab.

[NuShrike]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Sep 28 2006, 05:19 PM) [snapback]325326[/snapback]</div>

What he said. Assuming GM doesn't screw up.[/b]

Is this how GM is going to ruin the "Hybrid" name like they did with diesel not too far back?