Report: Infiniti to take on Lexus with hybrids in the U.S.

Report: Infiniti to take on Lexus with hybrids in the U.S.

Nissan will take on Toyota’s Lexus by offering hybrid powertrains in its Infiniti lineup within the next few years. According to Carlos Tavares, Nissan’s executive vice president for global product planning, Nissan will debut luxury hybrids first in the United States.

Nissan’s hybrid powertrain is still in the developmental phase. Not to mention its only hybrid has been the Nissan Altima, where Toyota itself supplied Nissan with the powertrain.

Tavares did not say which Infiniti models would be getting the hybrid technology.

Nissan has been very vague with its alternative-fuel strategy. The company has been repeatedly reported dancing the line between offering hybrids, diesels or electric cars. Tavares said that Nissan is also looking to offer electric cars by 2010 starting with Japan.

If we were to guess, we think Nissan will first offer hybrid technology in its M45, FX, EX models.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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