SMYRNA, TN – Nissan’s Smyrna manufacturing plant has begun production on the 2007 Altima Hybrid, on sale in January in eight states, according to the Murfreesboro Post newspaper. The Altima Hybrid offers low emissions and has been certified to meet California emissions requirements. The vehicle will only be sold in states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5L four-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission) with an electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions, according to Nissan. The Altima Hybrid is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions. The Altima Hybrid is estimated to have a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Combined with Altima’s standard 20-gallon fuel tank, the Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of up to 700 miles between fill-ups, according to Nissan.