Nissan to Churn Out Hybrids Despite Lack of Profit

Washington DC December 8, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Nissan begins production on their new Altima hybrids next week in Tennessee, despite the fact that they will not make a profit on the vehicles.

The automaker is introducing the new alternative fuel model to the market to adhere to strict clean air laws set forth in eight U.S. states, according to The Detroit News.

"Hybrids today are not a very viable economic proposition," said Dominique Thormann, Nissan North America's senior vice president for administration and finance. "It's still a loss-making proposition. ... It's unprofitable."