Nissan drops Altima Hybrid from its lineup for 2012

If you were in the market for a hybrid version of the Nissan Altima you’d better think again as the Japanese manufacturer will no longer build this model after the 2011 model year. Apparently, Nissan decided to focus its intelligence on the models which will remain in its lineup for the 2012 model year, according to Josh Clifton, a Nissan communications manager. For those who don’t know, the Nissan Altima Hybrid is the first gas-electric hybrid model from the Japanese firm and made its debut back in 2007.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid was designed with an eye at Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and according to EPA it is capable to achieve 33 mpg in combined cycle, according to KickingTires. Still, the Nissan Altima Hybrid was not quite a bestseller as the manufacturer sold it only in a handful of states during its tenure, such as New York and Oregon.

These states adopted California’s stringent emission regulations. The good news is that if you want to buy an Altima Hybrid you will have to hurry up as Nissan will continue to sell its existing inventory. The 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid 2.5 eCVT is priced at $26,780 and comes with a QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. [via - 4wheelsnews]