Nissan to launch own hybrid technology

Nissan Motor Co., Japan’s third-largest automaker, will introduce its own hybrid technology for small and mid-size cars in 2010. The move will mark the end of the company’s supply agreement with Toyota Motor Corp., from which Nissan has purchased hybrid core components. In addition to the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan, which is currently only available in the U.S., the company said it will soon launch a luxury gasoline-electric hybrid equipped with the new technology. (July 17, 2009)