NYPD chooses Nissan Altima as first hybrid patrol car

[notlove]

Government fleets have been among the first to go green in a big way, exceeded perhaps only by some private sector firms. The latest government agency to take up the environmental banner is the New York Police Department (NYPD), which today deployed 40 Nissan Altima Hybrids in its fleet. The cars will include 18 marked vehicles and 22 unmarked. They will patrol and serve throughout the New York City area, both in larger, more open precincts and in some of the most congested urban precincts in the country.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was enthusiastic about the benefits of the hybrids, saying, “These new patrol cars will help fulfill the PlaNYC goal of reducing City government’s carbon footprint. Through savings in fuel, these Altimas can quickly cover their additional cost, from then they will save taxpayers money – another example of how going green is good for our environment and our pocketbooks.”

The NYPD has already used some hybrids among its parking enforcement fleet, but the Nissan Altima Hybrids are the first to be used as regular police cars. The Altima Hybrid was chosen because of its low cost and godo fuel performance - it costs just $1,500 more than a standard police-spec Chevrolet Impala and delivers 35mpg to the Impala's 16mpg.

After a year of in-fleet testing, the NYPD will evaluate whether they should add more to the fleet or search for a different solution.

[Kalypso]

Now we can outrun them

[toxik]

look what i spotted in the city today haha:

[marlin29311]

Import police cars! Ahh! Now I have to look for more than just the Crown Vic headlights...

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Saw this in the New York post the other day and got all excited. Pretty cool stuff!

[Curtieson]

Import police cars!

That is a good point on more then one level...anyone realize the federal government is shelling out TONS of money to help the car companies, then their little cousin (City Government) comes in and completely undermines them.

What about the Ford Fusion Hybrid?

[ADKSaad1387]

just got back from the city yesterday, took a pic with my camera phone....i guess there is no need to now. you guys beat me to it!