The all-new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, Nissan’s first entry into the hybrid gasoline/electric vehicle segment, makes its North American debut Oct. 4 through 8, 2006, at the 2007 Model Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, Calif. The Altima Hybrid’s powertrain mates the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with an electric motor and generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. The Altima Hybrid’s hybrid system is rated at a net power of 198 horsepower, with fuel economy estimated at 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway. While Toyota and Honda have plunged deeply into the hybrid market, Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn has said that he can't make a business case for the expensive technology. The company, he has said, is building the Altima hybrid to satisfy California regulators' demands for reduced emissions and greater fuel efficiency from the major automakers, the Los Angeles Times reports. Classified as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), the new Altima Hybrid will be available in eight states. The vehicle has been certified to meet California emissions requirements and will be sold initially in those states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey. The 2007 Altima Hybrid will be available in early 2007, following the November 2006 introduction of the 2007 Altima 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-powered models.