But the news will make...

But the news will make bosses at Toyota happy, too. As a result of a deal between the two Japanese firms back in 2002, the Altima will use the same cutting-edge technology - a combination of conventional petrol engine and rechargeable battery power - that drives the Prius. The agreement stipulates that Nissan will produce 100,000 fuel cell cars within a five-year period.

The Altima Hybrid uses a 175bhp, 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with the additional benefits of battery power for extra boost under full acceleration, as well as emission-free urban motoring. While the main hi-tech mechanicals have come from Toyota, Nissan has worked hard to adapt the hybrid layout to fit a larger vehicle and more powerful petrol motor. Engineers claim to have taken the technology further than rivals, including the forthcoming Lexus RX400h, and aim to give a 15 per cent reduction in 0-60mph time and 40 per cent improvement in economy.

The decision to buy Toyota"s design rather than develop its own was taken by Nissan after an extensive feasibility study. A company spokesman said: "At the moment, the technology is still too expensive. Hybrid vehicles are currently in their second generation, but Nissan will wait until a third level is reached before we develop our own system - which we hope to have by 2010."

Insiders have confirmed that the Altima Hybrid is destined for Europe, but one of the biggest barriers for bringing the saloon to showrooms here is the cost of converting the US car to right-hand drive. However, if the decision is made to sell the big Nissan in Britain, it would be available as a hybrid only - creating a one-model line-up just like the Honda Civic IMA, which is the only four-door Civic available in the UK.