Autoblog

REPORT: Renault and Russia come to agreement on AvtoVAZ

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Renault, Russia

Renault has found a way to appease Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that didn't involve writing a check for $850 million. The French company took a 25% stake in Russian carmaker Avtovaz, and when Avtovaz started having a hard time of it earlier this year Renault looked content to see how things turned out. Putin wasn't: he told Carlos Ghosn to inject cash into Avtovaz, or Putin would dilute Renault's stake with a share sale.

Things retreated from the cliff when Renault promised technology to Avtovaz, in return for which Russia would put 50 billion rubes ($1.7 billion U.S.) into the company. Renault's technology share is valued at €240 million ($358 million U.S.). The know-how could be of greater assistance to both companies than if Renault had contributed cash: Avotvaz gets something it can build on long term, and Renault doesn't have to throw good rubles after bad.

Avtovaz is nowhere near rescued, however. The company remains loaded with debt, making it difficult to finance its restructuring, and sales of its primary vehicle, Lada, haven't rebounded. And to hear Putin tell it, he could be knocking on Renault's door again soon.

[Source: Bloomberg | Photo: PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images]

REPORT: Renault and Russia come to agreement on AvtoVAZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ghosn still thinks Renault-Nissan should have partnered with GM in 2006

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Nissan, Renault

With all the trials and tribulations General Motors has endured during the past year, we almost forgot that the Detroit, MI-based automaker nearly got itself tied up with Renault-Nissan. Back in 2006, the two companies discussed joining forces to become a singular global automotive juggernaut, but in the end, GM felt it was in its best interests to go it alone and face the quickly disintegrating global automotive market by themselves.

While GM's situation ultimately improved via bankruptcy and a $50 billion helping hand from the U.S. government, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn still thinks the partnership would have been "without a doubt" in everyone's best interests. Ghosn reportedly made the comments during a meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations, adding that "there was a possibility to create something that would be extremely competitive."

Ghosn then went on to say that he wasn't happy the two companies didn't end up working together after GM nearly collapsed because "when you see the disaster and the waste of energy and skills and talent, nobody can be happy." The charismatic CEO also said that Renault-Nissan was very concerned about GM's precarious position earlier in the year due to the fact that his company uses many of the same suppliers. If GM had gone down, it would have probably taken more than a few suppliers with it, and Ghosn says that as a result, Nissan wouldn't have been able to make a single vehicle in North America.

While we can definitely understand why Ghosn would have preferred that the marriage of his company to GM was consecrated, we still don't see how it would have helped The General in the long run. GM still would have been in a very uncompetitive cash situation, and Renault-Nissan doesn't have much in the way of technology or platforms that the General doesn't already the equivalents to.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Raveendran/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Ghosn still thinks Renault-Nissan should have partnered with GM in 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Even without Dodge Ram, Ghosn says Nissan Titan will survive

Chris Shunk — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Nissan

When Dodge announced that it wouldn't be sharing its Ram platform with Nissan, we just kind of assumed that the Titan was going to go the way of the Do Do. Why? Because Titan sales are the suck. Nissan has only sold 15,393 copies of its largest truck through the first 10 months of the year. For perspective, Ford sold more F-150s in the first two weeks of October than Nissan has sold in 43 weeks. Last year wasn't much better either, as only 30,000 customers walked out of a Nissan dealer with a new Titan.

But if a report from Inside Line is to be believed, the Titan will live on. Renault/Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn reportedly told IL that "Titan will have a replacement, we are staying in the large pickup truck market." It makes a bit of sense that there will be another Titan given the fact that Nissan also uses the basic platform for the Infiniti QX56 and the Nissan Armada. But then again those portly SUVs aren't exactly flying off the shelf, either.

Speculation is that Nissan could be looking for an outside partner (or already have one) to collaborate on a new pickup. We're thinking one candidate could be Toyota. The only other Japanese automaker competing directly with the domestics in the U.S. half-ton pickup truck market, Toyota was expecting to produce 200,000 units per year of the Tundra when the it launched, but has sold only 66,000 through October. Teaming up with Nissan would help bring costs down, soak up extra production capacity and mitigate the risk inherent in competing against Ford, GM and Chrysler at what they do best.

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Titan

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Even without Dodge Ram, Ghosn says Nissan Titan will survive originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault-Nissan vows to build world's cheapest car? Nano-nah-nah-nah-nah!

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, Renault, India, Tata

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The other day we alerted you to the "fact" that Ford will be releasing a brand new $650 car. But as does everything that sounds too good to be true, the car in question was a severely used (and dented) 1993 Ford Taurus, and the Wisconsin-based masters of parody at The Onion were behind the video, not the Ford Motor Company. We mention this because more than one of you took the time to comment without watching the video, and the results were quite funny - in a laughing at you sort of way. Today though, is no joke.

Carlos Ghosn, the lovable star of his own Japanese manga comic and the CEO of Renault-Nissan, is claiming that his company will produce a car that costs less than the $2,500 Tata Nano, making the as-yet-to-be-named car the cheapest in India, and therefore the least expensive in the world. The car will be built by Bajaj Auto, an Indian scooter and rickshaw company. Not to be left out of the party, both Toyota and GM have expressed interest in selling "ultralow-cost small cars" on the Subcontinent.

However, these cheap, small cars just don't sell themselves. So far, Tata has managed to move just 10,500 Nanos since July. For their part, Bajaj and Renault-Nissan were hoping to get their ultralow-coster on the road by 2011, but there have been delays. First announced last year, Ghosn said that the delays should come as no surprise since neither Bajaj or Renault-Nissan has ever made such a vehicle. He did note, however, that such a car is "critical" to Renault-Nissan's presence in India.

"I don't want Renault and Nissan to be makers of very pretty cars that people dream about but cannot afford." said Ghosn. He also said that by the time Renault and Nissan's small car debuted it might no longer be the very cheapest. There are also plans afoot to export the new vehicle out of India, just like Tata is planning to do with the Nano, though that car would most likely be slightly reworked and therefor more expensive. Tip of the pith helmet to Neil!

Gallery: Tata Nano

[Source: The Los Angeles Times]

Renault-Nissan vows to build world's cheapest car? Nano-nah-nah-nah-nah! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian PM Putin reportedly tells Renault to put up or get out

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Renault, Russia

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but with hindsight being 20-20, how many failed ventures can be summed up by that same excuse? Just last year, Russia was looking to foreign investors as one of the most promising emerging markets in the world. Renault got locked into a bidding war with Fiat and General Motors for a large stake in Autovaz, Russia's largest automaker, known to consumers for producing Lada.

Renault won and paid $1 billion for the 25% stake. But one year and one giant global economic meltdown later, that victory is looking more like a liability - the quarter interest is now worth less than a quarter of what Carlos Ghosn and company paid for it. And now Renault is expected to bail Autovaz out of its troubles or else face the wrath of one Vladimir Putin.

The autocratic Russian prime minister, whose government both owns another quarter of Autovaz on the one hand and has extended significant loans to it on the other, has reportedly demanded that Renault cough up some serious dough - $850 million, to be exact - in "emergency loans" to keep the Russian automaker solvent following a nosedive in the domestic market that saw sales plummet a whopping 50 percent and its workforce subsequently cut by a fifth.

Putin is reportedly threatening to further dilute Renault's stake in Autovaz if they don't comply, but while Ghosn has pledged to establish a new joint venture between the two together with sister company Nissan, the cash has yet to flow. With the prospect of folding to Putin's demands threatening to weaken Renault's image in the Russian market and around the world, it seems to be a lose-lose situation.

[Source: Financial Post | Image: Dmitry Astakhov/AFP/Getty]

Russian PM Putin reportedly tells Renault to put up or get out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Nissan, Electric

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick, think of a hybrid automobile. Got it? Are you thinking of the Toyota Prius? Pretty much everyone instantly recognizes the well-known profile of the Prius, and it's by far the most popular fuel miser on the market. A good bit of Toyota's success with the Prius has been attributed to its unique look - some owners want everyone to know that they care about their environmental footprint, and the Prius currently accomplishes that better than any of its competitors.

Honda followed a similar path with the second-generation Insight hatchback, which some believe follows the form of the Prius a little too closely. According to Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, though, there's no chance that Japan's number three automaker will join that club. Speaking to Automotive News at the Tokyo Motor Show, Ghosn said:

We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs.

Obviously, the company that leads in hybrids is Toyota, and Nissan's intention is to score a similar position in the world of pure electric automobiles. The opening salvo on that front will be the upcoming Nissan Leaf, which is slated to hit the market about a year from now, and the company has ambitious plans for its following act. We'll know if Ghosn's plan is successful or not about five years from now. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Carlos Ghosn carves up the stage with the Nissan Land Glider concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:47:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan, Electric

Nissan Land Glider Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Tokyo Motor Show this morning, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn rolled silently onto the stage in the company's latest battery powered concept, the Land Glider. Like Volkswagen's One-Liter concep from the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Land Glider is a narrow-gauge tandem two-seater. However, that's where the similarities end.

The Nissan is purely battery powered, with a pair of rear-mounted electric motors receiving juice from a sub-floor lithium-ion battery pack. Ghosn referred to the Land Glider as a vehicle that offers quick acceleration thanks to its light weight and torquey electric motor. Topping up the batteries figures to be quick and painless as well, as the Land Glider features a non-contact charging system, meaning that drivers won't have to fiddle with any plugs, they can just pull into designated charging spaces.

Like some other tandem seat concepts that we've seen in the past, this one also leans into turns like a motorcycle - up to 17 degrees. Unlike those past concepts, however, Ghosn announced today that this model may reach showrooms in the not too distant future. Check out the complete press release after the jump as well as new high-res images live from the show floor in the gallery below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Nissan Land Glider concept

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Carlos Ghosn carves up the stage with the Nissan Land Glider concept

Tokyo 2009: Carlos Ghosn carves up the stage with the Nissan Land Glider concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST

Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show, Infiniti, Nissan, Electric

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're here at the Tokyo Motor Show, where CEO Carlos Ghosn has just confirmed that Nissan, Renault's Japanese alliance partner, will boast a lineup of at least three electric vehicles in the next few years - and a fourth vehicle is also possible. We already know about the Leaf hatchback (above) that was unveiled back in August. In addition, Nissan will build an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. For the first time, Ghosn also confirmed that Infiniti will get a compact four-passenger sedan powered only by batteries.

No other information was available on this car, but Ghosn did say that it would be unveiled in the near future. In all likelihood, the Infiniti will be based on the Leaf platform that is designed for purely electric drive. The fourth model that is being considered for production is the Land Glider concept that was shown publicly for the first time here this morning.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti

Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Ghosn vows he won't depart Nissan until it returns to profitability?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Nissan, Earnings/Financials

Carlos Ghosn became Nissan's chief operating officer in 1999, initially declared that he would remain in the job for a maximum of ten years. At the time, Nissan had $13 billion in debt, a history of losses, and an almost completely forgettable product lineup. Now, on the eve of his ten-year anniversary and after a success story that few expected, Ghosn says he won't step down until Nissan is clearly profitable again.

For fiscal 2008, Nissan suffered an operating loss of 100 billion yen ($1.03 billion U.S.) on sales that were down 9.5% from 2007. For Ghosn to leave in the aftermath of that showing would be, in his words, "deserting." As one of the industry's few major execs upon whom praise is regularly lavished, we imagine many employees at Nissan and Renault are pleased to see him remain at the controls.

[Source: Reuters | Image: AFP/Getty]

Carlos Ghosn vows he won't depart Nissan until it returns to profitability? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Ghosn says no more alliances for a while

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Nissan, Renault

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn doesn't expect to see any more big auto alliances in the near future. That actually shouldn't be a surprise when we're seeing Detroit automakers actually unwinding their existing relationships. With General Motors looking tot unload part or all of Saab, Opel, HUMMER and Saturn and Ford still trying to sell Volvo, no other automakers appear to be much interested in getting larger right now. According to Ghosn, part of that is because there aren't enough sufficiently large lines of credit available. Ghosn recently told an interviewer that last year, banks were lending automakers money at 3.5-4 percent, a figure that has now jumped to 9 percent if they can get a loan at all. Until financial markets stabilize, most automakers wil simply be doing whatever they can to remain solvent.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

Carlos Ghosn says no more alliances for a while originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: Nissan pulls out of most 2009 auto shows

Chris Paukert — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Marketing/Advertising, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Autoblog has learned that Nissan is withdrawing its presence from the fiscal 2009 show season, with the following exceptions: Geneva, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. That means that Nissan will still have a presence at most of the major international shows that generate the lion's share of media coverage this year, but they will not be attending big shows like Melbourne and Frankfurt in 2009, let alone second-tier, locally-focused events like those in Atlanta, Calgary, and Denver. It also means that the company will miss out on Detroit and Los Angeles next year, because Nissan's fiscal year runs through March 31, 2010. As you may recall, the company was already a notable absentee in Detroit earlier this year.

Scott Vazin, Nissan's U.S. director of product public relations has informed us that:

In a short-term move to address the severe economic challenges to the industry and to consumers worldwide, Nissan has decided to streamline the company's participation in auto shows during fiscal year 2009. As a result, the company has selected Geneva, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo as the four major international shows where the company will showcase offerings from the Nissan and Infiniti brands during the fiscal year.

"This decision has been taken to ensure maximum return on marketing investments in the midst of extraordinary market conditions. We are confident it is the right decision from a company committed to prudent management of shareholder resources.

"Meanwhile, we will continue to monitor market conditions and adjust our marketing strategies and tactics accordingly.

Of course, Nissan isn't the only automaker scaling back its auto show aspirations in 2009. Automakers like Ferrari, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Suzuki have all missed at least one "major" show stop this year, and given the state of the economy and the auto industry in particular, we suspect that Nissan's statement to us is just the tip of the iceberg.

[Image: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty]

EXCLUSIVE: Nissan pulls out of most 2009 auto shows originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Would Ghosn be the best choice to lead GM?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM, Nissan, Renault, Fiat

Calls for the replacement of Rick Wagoner at General Motors raise an intriguing question: who would be the best choice to take the reigns of America's largest automaker if Wagoner were ousted? Some would point directly to GM COO Fritz Henderson, but we're not so sure that Washington would go along with that idea. A slightly more palatable choice may be found in Nissan/Renault head-honcho Carlos Ghosn, who has managed to right the sinking ship that was Nissan in the early 2000s after taking the helm in 1999. Seems like a logical choice, then.

CNN has a few other options to consider, including Robert Lane, chairman and of Deere & Co., John G. Rice, vice chairman of General Electric and president and CEO of GE Technology Infrastructure and Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A. We could possibly see Marchionne getting the nod, considering that he's had plenty of experience in the automotive world, but many would surely question whether GM should go the way of Chrysler and Ford by appointing non-car-guys to take the helm.

[Source: CNN]

Would Ghosn be the best choice to lead GM? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Ghosn named president of European Automobile Manufacturers' Association

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Carlos Ghosn for President! Well, President of The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, or ACEA. The head man at the Nissan/Renault has been elected by the ACEA to act as its very own Knight in Shining Armor starting on January 1, 2009.

Ghosn will replace Christian Streiff, CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën, and will begin his duties at a rather difficult time for the industry. Not only are the automakers smack dab in the midst of a major fuel-saving model makeover, but the global economy is tanking at the same time. Because the ACEA sets the standards that the European automakers will be expected to adhere to, Ghosn will work hand-in-hand with the European Union on future laws, especially on such issues as carbon emissions and for national financial incentives to help the struggling automakers.

[Source: ACEA]

Continue reading Carlos Ghosn named president of European Automobile Manufacturers' Association

Carlos Ghosn named president of European Automobile Manufacturers' Association originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler stops talks with Nissan/Renault in favor of GM

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, GM, Nissan, Renault

If Cerberus is ever going to shed itself of Chrysler, it looks like a deal will happen with soon-to-be former rival General Motors. Automotive News is reporting that no further talks have been scheduled between Nissan/Renault and the Auburn Hills-based automaker, as Cerberus has determined that the General can provide a sweeter deal that may also be better for the auto industry. It doesn't help that Nissan/Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn has decried that a deal between the two doesn't make sense during these shaky economic times.

We've never been at the table of a multi-billion dollar negotiation before, but we're pretty sure it's better to be sitting across the table from more than one company that wants what you've got. At this point, the once preposterous idea of GM merging with/buying/devouring Chrysler seems likely, and only a presidential election and a few billion dollars stand in the way of its completion.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Chrysler stops talks with Nissan/Renault in favor of GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan, Ghosn bracing for the worst

Chris Shunk — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Nissan, Renault

Times are tough in the US auto industry, and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn doesn't see the situation improving any time soon. Ghosn and company are planning under the assumption that overall US sales won't break 15M units for the year, which is a substantial 2M units less than just three years ago. To complicate matters, the Japanese automaker expects steel prices to rise either later this year or early in 2009, which would put further strains on the entire industry.

While times are tough, Ghosn does see a silver lining for Nissan, as the Japanese automaker has a full lineup of fuel efficient cars that customers are buying. That should translate into increased market share, though since it's a larger piece of a smaller pie, it probably won't translate into more year over year volume. While that isn't reason enough to break out the Dom Pérignon, it's better than most automakers can say these days.

[Source: Forbes]

Nissan, Ghosn bracing for the worst originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan announces new mystery vehicle for UK plant

Michael Harley — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, UK

Click on the above sketch for a high-res gallery of the Micra 160 SR

After sharing tea at Nissan's European Design Centre in central London, Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Company, and the Right Honorable Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, released the news that Nissan will design and build an all-new compact car in the UK's Sunderland plant. The car, a dedicated A-platform, will be used for several new models, including the next-gen Micra. According to the press release posted after the jump, the new Nissan will fill the void created when the current version of the Nissan Micra ends production in 2010. A boon for the local economy, the Sunderland facility employs 4,700 Brits who helped produce 374,000 vehicles in 2007. Nearly 80-percent of those were exported, making Nissan the largest vehicle exporter in the United Kingdom.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Micra 160 SR

Continue reading Nissan announces new mystery vehicle for UK plant

Nissan announces new mystery vehicle for UK plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan to get more electric by 2010

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Nissan

The media has given a lot of attention to Toyota and GM in the race for automotive electrification. After all, many of the other current players in the game license their technology from the likes of these two. Nissan has remained relatively quiet in the competition though, sitting behind its Hypermini small electric vehicle and Hybrid Altima, the latter of which happens to be the result of one of those previously mentioned licensing deals. The recent 2008 New York Auto Show saw Nissan taking things a step further, however, with the unveiling of an electric Cube concept that's expected to hit production by 2010. According to Carlos Ghosn, it's just the beginning of a worldwide full electric lineup for Nissan and its alliance partner Renault.

The run up of oil prices and, of course, the current marketing trend that makes being environmentally aware the hip thing for squares, makes the future market for electrified vehicles a more viable prospect. Technological advances, especially in batteries, have also made an electric venture more economical. Mr. Ghosn expects a global mass market for electric vehicles by 2012 and fully anticipates that Nissan will be a part of that band wagon. The Chief Executive also hopes to push demand through the creation of government tax incentives for zero-emission vehicles, making their lifetime cost to consumers below that of any gasoline chugger. Good luck, Ghosn!

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Nissan to get more electric by 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 May 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghosn: Nissan not pursuing partnership with Chrysler

Michael Harley — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, Renault

According to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault-Nissan, the Franco-Japanese carmaker is not interested in adding additional alliances with Chrysler at this time. While Chrysler recently inked a deal to have Nissan manufacture subcompacts to sell in South America, that is as far as it goes. "We have an OE deal. Period," Ghosn said during an interview at the Geneva Motor Show.

It seems Nissan's eyes are elsewhere. Watching GM sales in Russia double from 2006 to 2007, and believing the Russian car market may surpass Germany this year, Renault-Nissan wants its share of the pie, too. The first move was taken when Renault purchased a 25% stake in Avtovaz in December 2007. Avtovaz is Russia's largest automaker and the manufacturer of Lada, its best-selling brand. Now, the company needs to quickly transfer Nissan and Renault platforms and engines to Lada in order to modernize its lineup and compete with an increasing number of imported brands. Once that job is complete, Renault-Nissan will move towards assembling vehicles in Russia, as well.

Don't bet that Ghosn isn't still eyeing Chrysler, as he was quick to add, "We are going to continue to do deals with everybody when they make sense." Of course he will.

[Source: Freep]

Ghosn: Nissan not pursuing partnership with Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan's Ghosn: US auto industry in recession

Michael Harley — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: Nissan, Earnings/Financials

Carlos Ghosn, President, Knight, and big cheese at Nissan Motor Company and Renault, says the U.S. auto industry is in recession. Ghosn told the Associated Press, "We are very lucid on the situation of the industry that there is a recession in the United States, at least in the car market." With Nissan division sales in North American down 7.8 percent from this time last year (and the word "recession" literally meaning "the act of receding") few can contest his statement.

The Associated Press report adds that deflated U.S. car and light truck sales in 2007 marked the worst sales year in a decade. Brushing off long-term concerns, Ghosn is optimistic the market will improve. Yet, he cites the rising cost of raw materials as yet another concern for automakers. Maybe the best solution to Nissan's current problem is to quintuple production of the GT-R, sell it as both a Nissan and an Infiniti, and bait us all with attractive lease deals? Yes, that would definitely do the trick.

[Source: Just-Auto, subs. req'd]

Nissan's Ghosn: US auto industry in recession originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carlos Ghosn goes to Russia, returns with a new AvtoVaz

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Renault

Relentless deal maker Carlos Ghosn has never stopped looking for any partnership that would give Renault a plum position in a profitable market. Already close to a Nissan deal with Chrysler working on Renault and Nissan deals in the Middle East, his latest paramour is in Russia. Ghosn has secured himself and four Renault managers seats on the board of AvtoVaz -- the company which, as you're all aware, is more popularly known for the name of its signature vehicle: the Lada.

Ghosn's idea is that Russia will be the hottest thing going in two years, so he needs to book his place now. Renault will take a 25-percent stake in AvtoVaz, and the board members from Renault will be focused on technology and cost-cutting issues. AvtoVaz will still be led by its Russian majority shareholders -- one of which is the State -- but will benefit from the expertise of one of the most efficient men in the business. To boot, they are also in talks with Renault about assembling Logans and Meganes. Who knows -- if Russia really does become that important and AvtoVaz proves itself with the hatchbacks, perhaps it'll get a shot at a Lada GT-R?

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Carlos Ghosn goes to Russia, returns with a new AvtoVaz originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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