As I was fishing the internet this morning I came across this banner that is advertising $1,500 cash back on the new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid. I was shocked and immediately thought it was a mistake, but after a visit to Nissan's website the deal is confirmed.
Everyone has been talking about how hybrids are the next best thing, but are sales leveling off since Nissan is now having to add a rebate to its hybrid in order to move them off the lots? Toyota has also announced new lower pricing for its popular Prius. Or maybe automakers are having to add incentives to the hybrids since many of the initial tax breaks are becoming non-existent? You tell me.
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Comments (6)
Toyota reducing the price of the Prius has to do with improved technologies in manufacturing process and components. Much like how prices LCD TV's have dropped dramatically in recent years, not because LCD TV's are not selling, but because manufacturers are constantly improving and searching for cheaper processes.
The Altima hybrid in this case, is most likely not selling as well as expected.
Posted by D | September 17, 2007 3:20 PM
Posted on September 17, 2007 15:20
Toyota reducing the price of the Prius has to do with improved technologies in manufacturing process and components. Much like how prices LCD TV's have dropped dramatically in recent years, not because LCD TV's are not selling, but because manufacturers are constantly improving and searching for cheaper processes.
The Altima hybrid in this case (which uses Toyota's hybrid system), is most likely not selling as well as expected.
Posted by D | September 17, 2007 3:21 PM
Posted on September 17, 2007 15:21
well, if they actually sold the Altima Hybrid in the ENTIRE U.S., then they might actually get more sales. Although I do agree that the popularity of hybrids is falling, I would venture to think that a Nissan Altima has more "coolness" than a Toyota Prius or a Honda Insight
Posted by Eddie | September 17, 2007 5:20 PM
Posted on September 17, 2007 17:20
I think people are starting to realize that hybrids just aren't as good for the environment as first thought and that they aren't saving any money in the long run. Hopefully people will start to buy efficient diesels to make up for the poor sales of these hybrids.
Posted by gm0n3y | September 17, 2007 5:53 PM
Posted on September 17, 2007 17:53
Today's hybrid technology is more gimmick than function. All hybrids use gasoline engines at speeds higher than 25mph.
The tax credit that people go after is disappearing so the appeal to them is going too.
Once the new breed of hybrid come to market, we will finally have a primary electric engine to power the vehicle and the gas will be used for power generation to the batteries. Although, I don't see why they cannot generate the energy for the batteries while the wheels are turning... and the brakes are braking. Then add solar panels for stationary power.....
Oh well.. I guess the gas company has to have some part of the pie.....
Posted by Andrew | September 18, 2007 7:50 AM
Posted on September 18, 2007 07:50
Any self-respecting petrol-head wouldn't be caught dead in a hybrid. We need Caparo T1 thinking when achieving higher gas mileages. 1100 pounds, 1000bhp/ton and gets 30mpg on highway. And pulls 3Gs on track.
Posted by SVT | September 18, 2007 3:41 PM
Posted on September 18, 2007 15:41