Yeah they should have separated the cars from the trucks to get a better idea. Obviously the company that sells more trucks is going to be harder hit.
I was talking to some of the employees at my dealer recently, and they were telling me the current hybrid is only temporary from what they got from a corporate meeting. Hence why they used toyotas hybrid system. They didn't want to invest big money for something short term. I was also told all the major manufacturers are planning on releasing diesels in the next few years and nissan will also be part of that group...I believe he said a 09-10 altima will have diesel. The diesels will replace the hybrids and/or be part of the hybrid system once those come out. Thats also why honda hasn't been in a rush to put out its own competitive hybrid. They're planning the same.
Diesel technology is here today. To be mainstream, hybrids still need a lot of work in general.
Video: Top Gear’s Audi A8 Diesel challenge - Auto Insider News
I believe the audi made the challenge...I don't have time to watch it again at the moment. But I remember my jaw drop when I saw how good the mileage was. Kinda puts hybrids to shame in that respect, even the lexus versions ones which I think are one the best.
The nissan green program sounds interesting, but those items they list don't seem like they'd apply to their mainstream cars, at least for america. I don't think they're going to have a 3 liter, plug in, or all electric titan for that matter. I think hybrids will have their place, but not over the next couple years. How long have hybrids been out, and how many people do you personally know that own one?
