If Nissan was truly surprised to learn of battery issues (and let's be honest; EVERYBODY else knew there would be, including the vocal competition), then they are either incompetent or lying to us.Nubo wrote:I think they really need to step out in front of this in a big way, even if they don't yet have all the answers. And not a memo full of disclaimers and spin, but forthright statements and a major unwavering show of commitment, such as a retro-active warranty.
The clock is ticking.
Decades of battery research by Nissan suggests the latter. Engineers at Nissan didn't likely sign off on this without some influence/pressure; somebody overrode their concerns (I recall Carlos suggesting engineers "never think it's ready") and marketing would have pulled the 100 mile (or 200km) BS right out of the tailpipe.
Then the legal department finds a way to make it stick. Hence, no warranty. Of course, not passing the known high heat / low longevity information on to consumers who haphazardly bought the car in Phoenix will be their ULTIMATE downfall.
Everybody should review the Honda hybrid case. They will fight this to the end, because losing or acquiescing is FAR too expensive. Remember the $1.9 billion they got to start this project; it's just about complete in Tennessee. Mission accomplished.