Nissan is finally jumping on the hybrid gasoline/electric vehicle bandwagon with the introduction of the 2007 Altima. Nissan plans to introduce the Altima to North America at the Orange County Auto Show this week.

The Altima is made with a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid technology of Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT). It has an electric motor and generator that increases fuel economy and reduced emissions for an average of 40 miles to the gallon.

This Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) will be available in eight states that are the strongest markets for hybrid vehicles: California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Jersey.

The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid should be available early 2007 after its initial November 2006 introduction.