2006 Nissan Gas-Electric Hybrid Car

Nissan has confirmed that the third largest automaker will join its other top Japanese rivals in the hybrid car revolution.

In 2006, according to the company, it will begin producing its first gas-electric hybrid. Early reports have been sketchy, but Nissan will probably lease hybrid technology from Toyota.

The technology behind the Toyota Prius hybrid powertrain has already been leased by Ford for the Escape Hybrid.

Nissan, much like American automakers, took a wait-and-see attitude regarding hybrids.

Honda, once the leader in hybrid vehicle production, released it's third hybrid in December 2004, the Honda Accord hybrid. Honda, like Toyota, has developed its own hybrid powertrain technology.