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Both General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) have hinted recently at more hybrid vehicles entering the global auto pipeline from both manufacturers. This is no surprise; customers are dealing with high gas prices every day now (with little to no relief in sight) and auto manufacturers are responding with hybrid auto technology to fill the customer need for better MPG (miles per gallon). Although Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) has been at the forefront of marketing so far (with its Prius hybrid, for example) and GM and Ford are pushing hybrid technology as well, what about other manufacturers?

Nissan Motor Co. (NASDAQ: NSANY) CEO Carlos Ghosn, who has been given credit for completely revitalizing and saving Nissan from complete failure back in 2001 or so, indicated yesterday that the company he leads is working hard to develop the next generation of smaller, lighter auto batteries. This move will make Nissan (hopefully) more competitive in the technology field that is sure to be used more and more in the future for not only auto batteries, but 100% electric-powered vehicles as well.

Nissan's specific move here is to have the smaller, more efficient and lighter lithium-ion battery technology currently used in cell phones and laptop computers used in passenger cars and trucks. In terms of Nissan vehicles that use hybrid technology, the current lineup includes the 2008 Nissan Altima. That car -- one of the most popular in all of Nissan's product portfolio -- has a hybrid option that uses older Nickel Metal Hydride technology that Nissan licenses from competitor Toyota. If Ghosn does not only get the newest generation of automotive batteries to market faster than the competition -- and possibly make Nissan vehicles with that technology on board -- Ford and GM may become customers as both domestic automakers strive to get a more solid footing in the hybrid vehicle market.

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