"The regulatory environment within the United States is still unclear because of poor performance related to noise and smell," said Collins. "I think diesel is well accepted in the heavy duty truck market, as well as other configurations of trucks," Collins added. "Below a certain point (of size), we need to find something innovative and appealing (in the hybrid market). Making a car that's just inexpensive is not the answer. A two-year-old off lease car is so good today, that it doesn't make sense to compete there. This is an area of opportunity to bring new people into the Nissan franchise (hybrid and diesel powertrains) as we make our lineup stronger and add hybrid offerings now in the pipeline with Altima and Maxima."
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