Due to the rising demand globally for fuel-efficient cars, Japan's Nissan Motor Company Limited found themselves under pressure to develop a new hybrid version of it's popular Altima model, famed for its resemblance to the luxury 1957 Nissan Bluebird. As a consequence in 2007 the new Nissan Altima Hybrid was launched.

There is a continuing pressure on car manufacturers to produce hybrid versions or loose out to the modern market with the ever increasing demand for this type of car. The Nissan Altima Hybrid is both an energy-efficient model and a car that was designed to integrate a series of special features to guarantee popularity and boost sales.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid can be compared to a Toyota in many ways, which is ironic considering Toyota is one of the company's biggest rivals. The Nissan Altima Hybrid's functional gear systems imitate directly from Toyota. Nissan had to ensure that its new Hybrid model excelled in the market. As a consequence during the development and conception stage of the vehicle, Nissan entered into an agreement with Toyota to employ car manufacturing technologies specific to hybrid vehicles. These included the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the regenerative braking system, which enables the battery to charge when the car is braking and electric-assisted steering technology. The battery pack and electric motor are also both licensed by Toyota. Licenses were acquired at great cost from Nissan's competitor. Every effort was made to ensure the finished product was an attractive, functional car that fared well in the new competitive market.

The outcome is a motor vehicle that has become one of the most popular energy efficient models on the road. The Altima Hybrid is widely distributed across the states of Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, California, Maine, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

In terms of cost the Nissan Altima Hybrid is somewhat more expensive in comparison to similar cars of its size and capability on the road, although Hybrid vehicles are traditionally at the higher end of the market. Baseline costs start at around $24,440 rising to as much as between $26,000 to $31,000.

Car manufacturing of the Altima Hybrid cannot meet the demand, with production currently only taking place in a selection of states and weaknesses in the overall marketing strategy. Internationally the car has yet to be launched across many of the major cities of the world.

Testimonials to the Nissan Altima Hybrid include being ranked top overall by motoring magazine Motor Trend in the category for middle-sized hybrid cars and in 2007 JD Power and Associates rated it 'Most Appealing Middle-Sized Car'

Analysts predict greater improvements to Hybrid models overall in the future making them more modified and fuel efficient. As a energy efficient vehicle that does not compromise on style or functionality the Nissan Altima Hybrid is worth considering as an option in a saturated market of mid range cars, particularly with the rising cost of fuel.