Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch Carlos Ghosn get a ride through Nissan's amazing classic car collection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/watch-carlos-ghosn-get-a-ride-through-nissans-amazing-classic-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/watch-carlos-ghosn-get-a-ride-through-nissans-amazing-classic-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/watch-carlos-ghosn-get-a-ride-through-nissans-amazing-classic-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

CEO Carlos Ghosn goes for a ride through Nissan's private collection

Many privileges come with the title of CEO at one of the world's top automakers. As top man at Nissan and Renault, Carlos Ghosn certainly has his share of perks. Take for instance unfettered access to Nissan's heritage warehouse in Zama, Japan where 400 Nissan and Datsun vehicles are stored.

Ghosn was given the special CEO tour of the place recently and met some of the engineers who worked on cars such as the 1967 Datsun Sunny 1000 Sports Deluxe. During the visit, Ghosn was treated to a driving tour of the massive warehouse in the 75-year-old Datsun 17 Phaeton seen above.

The impressive collection also includes the GT-R once owned by Ghosn himself, several rally cars and, as the narrator says, "a collection of classic Zeds." Nissan staff and volunteers keep at least 70 percent of the treasures fully drivable.

The warehouse is closed to the public, but there are hints in the video that Nissan could be planning a museum to house the collection. Check out the video by scrolling below.

Continue reading Watch Carlos Ghosn get a ride through Nissan's amazing classic car collection

Watch Carlos Ghosn get a ride through Nissan's amazing classic car collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnclassic nissandatsundatsun museumheritage warehousenissannissan museumvideozamaWed, 18 Apr 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218535/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/watch-carlos-ghosn-get-a-ride-through-nissans-amazing-classic-c/20218535/article-detail.xml 20218535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ghosn-warehouse-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ghosn-warehouse-video.jpg <![CDATA[Carlos Ghosn: Still bullish on battery electric vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/carlos-ghosn-still-bullish-on-battery-electric-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/carlos-ghosn-still-bullish-on-battery-electric-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/carlos-ghosn-still-bullish-on-battery-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Carlos Ghosn is not backing down.

Giving the keynote speech at the 2012 New York Auto Show today, the president and CEO of Nissan said that he stands behind his prediction that EVs will make up 10 percent of the market by 2020 in the places they are available. He also said that he expects Nissan to sell 1.5 million zero emission cars by 2016.

Ghosh brushed off a question about somewhat slow Leaf sales by pointing out that the Leaf is still constrained by supply, given the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last year as well as the strong yen. Leaf production in the UK and U.S. that will start in the near future (later this year for Tennessee, early 2013 for Sunderland) will make the car more available to more people. "I don't want you to take a one-month or two-month sales result in one particular market to try to make your opinion about the evolution of a very important technology for the industry," he said. "I think the electric car will hold its promises. All the stars are lining up to make it a very important segment. ... I am not at all changing my bullish approach."

Ghosn has reason to be bullish. Nissan has sold 27,000 Leafs worldwide since introducing the car in late 2010, and 11,000 of those sales were in the U.S. And, he added, "The Nissan Leaf has had no quality problems."

Looking forward, Ghosn also said that the challenge is to reduce the cost, size and weight of the battery and "we have to do it fast" because government incentives will not last forever. Luckily, the industry has changed enough in the last half-decade to make this possible. He said:

One of the biggest evolutions we are seeing in our industry is the battery. As you know, when we started our electric car goals, it was in 2006, there were not a lot of battery makers in the world. Fortunately, with our drive and with the drive of other carmakers, the number of battery makers and companies investing in batteries has really been impressive. Today, you can find very good batteries, extremely competitive, in Korea, in Japan, in the United States. The Chinese are investing in batteries. ... The life of the battery is going to be longer than the life of the car.

Carlos Ghosn: Still bullish on battery electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnelectric vehicleleafnew yorknew york 2012new york auto shownissanWed, 04 Apr 2012 10:52:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20208282/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/carlos-ghosn-still-bullish-on-battery-electric-vehicles/20208282/article-detail.xml 20208282 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/carlos-ghosn-nyas-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/carlos-ghosn-nyas-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan confirms return of Datsun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/20/nissan-confirms-return-of-datsun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/20/nissan-confirms-return-of-datsun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/20/nissan-confirms-return-of-datsun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Carlos Ghosn introduces Datsun

It turns out the rumors were true: Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has officially announced the resurrection of the company's storied Datsun nameplate. The company will use the brand to strengthen its foothold in emerging markets from Indonesia to India and Russia, offering buyers inexpensive, fuel-efficient vehicles with loads of content ride out of the box. Last year, Nissan sold 60,000 units in the quickly growing Indonesian market, and the company aims to see that number swell to 250,000 units by 2014. That may seem ambitious, but total industry volume is set to balloon to nearly double its current size 890,000 units per year by 2017 according to analysts.

Datsun now marks the third brand in the Nissan stable alongside Infiniti. The automaker retired the Datsun nameplate in 1981 after reestablishing itself in the States as Nissan. With a new focus on low cost, small-displacement hardware geared toward emerging markets, we sadly don't expect to see the Datsun name reemerging on our shores any time soon. Hit the jump for the brief press release.

Continue reading Nissan confirms return of Datsun

Nissan confirms return of Datsun originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosndatsunindonesianissannissan motorsTue, 20 Mar 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196941/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/20/nissan-confirms-return-of-datsun/20196941/article-detail.xml 20196941 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/carlos-ghosn-reintroduces-datsun_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/carlos-ghosn-reintroduces-datsun.jpg <![CDATA[Book: Ghosn would've taken top spot at Ford, but only if named CEO and Chairman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/book-ghosn-wouldve-taken-top-spot-at-ford-but-only-if-named-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/book-ghosn-wouldve-taken-top-spot-at-ford-but-only-if-named-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/book-ghosn-wouldve-taken-top-spot-at-ford-but-only-if-named-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn at podium

With just a day until Bryce Hoffman's American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company is released, more revelations from the book are hitting the headlines. Among the juiciest: Nissan-Renault chief Carlos Ghosn was offered the top job at Ford prior to Alan Mulally, but turned it down because he didn't want to work for then-CEO Bill Ford.

According to excerpt from the book published by Automotive News, Ford made Ghosn a formal offer in early 2006, but Le Cost Cutter insisted the only way he would come to Ford was if he was named both the CEO and chairman of the board. When Mulally was eventually hired as CEO, Bill Ford stepped aside but retained his position as chairman of the company that shares his surname.

Despite Bill Ford's power at the company that bears his family's name, other excerpts from the book reveals that he didn't always get the straight scoop from other executives. One soon-to-be-famous example concerns the second-generation Ford Focus, which went on sale in Europe in late 2004. Just as most journalists did at the time, Bill Ford wanted to know why the new model wasn't coming to North America. According to the excerpt, then-president Jim Padilla gave his boss a PR-spin-worthy line about "product cycles [that] don't line up."

Ford was unpleased with the explanation, according to the report: "This is all a bunch of [expletive], he fumed as he left the meeting. Nobody will give me a straight answer."

Book: Ghosn would've taken top spot at Ford, but only if named CEO and Chairman originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american iconbill fordbryce hoffmancarlos ghosnfocusfordford ceoford chairmanford focusghosnjim padillaMon, 12 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20191213/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/12/book-ghosn-wouldve-taken-top-spot-at-ford-but-only-if-named-c/20191213/article-detail.xml 20191213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/carlos-ghosn-at-podium_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/carlos-ghosn-at-podium.jpg <![CDATA[Ghosn rules out Renault returning to U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/ghosn-rules-out-renault-returning-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/ghosn-rules-out-renault-returning-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/ghosn-rules-out-renault-returning-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan boss standing at podium

Fiat may have returned to the U.S. market, but Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn doesn't plan on seeing the his French marque stage a comeback in the Land of the Free. According to The Detroit News, Renault will instead focus its efforts on introducing the brand to the Chinese market. Ghosn said Renault won't return to the U.S. within the foreseeable future. That's no real surprise given how fiercely competitive the fully mature U.S. market is compared to the explosive growth possibilities in China. According to the report, Chinese car buyers took home 17.3 million vehicles last year. That number is up from just 600,000 in in 1999.

Ghosn made the comments at the Automotive News World Congress, which ran along with the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The executive also made mention of the fact that Nissan has 65 models as of right now, and all of them are either profitable or on their way to becoming so. That wasn't always the case - In 1999, the company featured 43 models. Only four of those were profitable for the company at the time.

Ghosn rules out Renault returning to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnghosnnissanrenaultrenault usrenault usarenault-nissanFri, 13 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146447/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/ghosn-rules-out-renault-returning-to-u-s/20146447/article-detail.xml 20146447 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/carlos-ghosn-renault-nissan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/carlos-ghosn-renault-nissan.jpg <![CDATA[Renault-Nissan reports annual sales of over 8M in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/renault-nissan-reports-annual-sales-of-over-8m-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/renault-nissan-reports-annual-sales-of-over-8m-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/renault-nissan-reports-annual-sales-of-over-8m-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In spite of contraction in Europe and a series of natural disasters in Japan and Thailand that crippled supply, Renault-Nissan - with a tiny bit of help from Russian partner Avotvaz - sold 8.03 million cars in 2011. The record year outdid 2010 sales by 10 percent, with Nissan's sales growing 14% and Renault improving by 4.6 percent.

Breaking the eight-million barrier is likely to mean a little more shuffling at the top of the global sales chart: analysts suggest General Motors will take the top slot with around nine million sales, followed by Volkswagen and its record breaking 8.16 million sales, then Renault-Nissan in third taking the space everyone assumed would belong to Toyota. A tumble from first to fourth would convey just how difficult Toyota's year has been, extricating itself from the recall maelstrom only to get sucked into an earthquake, a tsunami and flooding.

Even with more pain expected from the European quadrant, Ghosn expects 2012 to break the record again.

Renault-Nissan reports annual sales of over 8M in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avtovazcarlos ghosnnissannissan salesrenaultrenault salesrenault-nissanThu, 12 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147856/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/renault-nissan-reports-annual-sales-of-over-8m-in-2011/20147856/article-detail.xml 20147856 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/136695748-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/136695748-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan agrees to make engines for Mercedes in Tennessee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/nissan-agrees-to-make-engines-for-mercedes-in-tennessee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/nissan-agrees-to-make-engines-for-mercedes-in-tennessee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/nissan-agrees-to-make-engines-for-mercedes-in-tennessee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

zetsche and ghosn photo op

Mercedes-Benz and Nissan plan on working together in the future, sharing the Mercedes A-Class platform and engines in an effort save cash on engineering and manufacturing resources. A big part of that collaboration is now official with a joint engine announcement.

Nissan will produce high-end four-cylinder engines at its Decherd, Tennessee facility. The engine will find its way under the hood of Mercedes and Infiniti models beginning in 2014, with a max capacity of 250,000 units per year.

Both automakers are understandably excited about the strategic announcement. Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn called the tie-up "our most significant project outside of Europe so far." Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche added that the co-op will help Mercedes achieve its expansion goals, adding that the engine agreement will "make optimum use of synergies arising from the cooperation."

Hit the jump to read over the Nissan press release. Daimler also issued the exact same release, except the German automaker swapped names so that Daimler appeared before Nissan.

Continue reading Nissan agrees to make engines for Mercedes in Tennessee

Nissan agrees to make engines for Mercedes in Tennessee originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosndaimlerdecherdfour-cylinderinfinitimercedesmercedes-benznissanplantstennesseezetscheTue, 10 Jan 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20143167/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/nissan-agrees-to-make-engines-for-mercedes-in-tennessee/20143167/article-detail.xml 20143167 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/par3162322opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/par3162322opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Ghosn directly confirms next-generation Titan pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/nissans-ghosn-directly-confirms-next-generation-titan-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/nissans-ghosn-directly-confirms-next-generation-titan-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/nissans-ghosn-directly-confirms-next-generation-titan-pickup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This afternoon at a Detroit Auto Show media roundtable event, Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn unequivocally confirmed that Nissan will build a next-generation Titan pickup. "We are going to replace it. We are going to present in every segment in the market in the United States." Previous news stories indicated that Nissan was pursuing a new Titan, but persistent reports indicated that the automaker would pursue an outside partner for the vehicle's development.

A subsequent Autoblog discussion with a Nissan official revealed that not only is the company developing the next-generation Titan right now - internally and without another automaker as a partner - it's not that far off. Our source confirms that Nissan will first show the truck "in about a year's time" and the vehicle will likely go on sale as a 2014 model, consistent with earlier reports.

One of the chief issues the current Titan has faced, according to our source, has been its limited configurability versus competitors' offerings. But the next-generation Titan won't make this same mistake - it will offer multiple engines and cab configurations.

Nissan first introduced the Canton, Mississippi-built Titan in 2004, but it's suffered from slow sales and limited updates. More recently, The Japanese marque entered the North American commercial truck market with its NV van line, but in 2011, it only managed to sell around 6,500 units.

Nissan's Ghosn directly confirms next-generation Titan pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcanton mississippicarlos ghosndetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto shownissannissan titantitantitan pickupMon, 09 Jan 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/nissans-ghosn-directly-confirms-next-generation-titan-pickup/20144355/article-detail.xml 20144355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-nissan-titan-4-1317654021-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-nissan-titan-4-1317654021-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan expanding role of Nismo further into road cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/nissan-expanding-role-of-nismo-further-into-road-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/nissan-expanding-role-of-nismo-further-into-road-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/nissan-expanding-role-of-nismo-further-into-road-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nismo Badge

Nissan has announced that the company plans to expand its Nismo offerings in the near future with performance variations of the company's mainstream models. Until now, buyers have only been able to take home factory-tuned versions of the 370Z, but company CEO Carlos Ghosn said that the time was right to allow ordinary buyers to sample Nissan's performance DNA. What does that mean, exactly? For starters, vehicles like the Juke Nismo Concept may actually make it to market, and other models may get the go-fast treatment soon thereafter. Nissan has also made it clear that Nismo will get its own global headquarters.

The company says that the new HQ will put all of Nissan's road-race and performance expertise under one roof while giving Nismo fans a central location for fan events. The site will also sell performance products and include a heritage center with plenty of vintage race metal on hand.

We like the idea of more performance-oriented vehicles on the road so long as it doesn't translate into the dilution of the Nismo brand. The world doesn't need a Nismo CrossCabriolet. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan expanding role of Nismo further into road cars

Nissan expanding role of Nismo further into road cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnjukejuke conceptjuke nismo conceptnismonismo conceptnismo global headquartersnissannissan jukenissan performanceTue, 29 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20116539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/29/nissan-expanding-role-of-nismo-further-into-road-cars/20116539/article-detail.xml 20116539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/nismo-badge-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/nismo-badge-628.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: Wage gap between CEO and employees]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/infographic-wage-gap-between-ceo-and-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/infographic-wage-gap-between-ceo-and-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/19/infographic-wage-gap-between-ceo-and-employees/#commentsFiled under:



As you're probably already aware, Ford CEO Alan Mulally earned well over $26 million last year. Fiat and Chrysler head Sergio Marchionne was next in the ranks of highest-paid CEOs among automakers with $17 million in compensation, and Nissan/Renault chief Carlos Ghosn was third at $13 million.

None of this is news, really. We already knew that. But what you may not know is how those figures compare to the income of the average autoworker. According to the infographic you see above (click here to enlarge), the average annual salary earned by autoworkers in America as of February 2010 was $48,000... but that figure varies a good deal, depending on factors such as the company paying the bill and the number of years employed.

For a more complete breakdown of CEO compensation versus the rest of an automakers' employees, check out the full graphic after the jump.

Continue reading Infographic: Wage gap between CEO and employees

Infographic: Wage gap between CEO and employees originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyautoworker wagesautoworkerscarlos ghosnceoceo wagesdan akersonsergio marchionneFri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20022048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/19/infographic-wage-gap-between-ceo-and-employees/20022048/article-detail.xml 20022048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/ceo-wages-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/ceo-wages-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti GT-R back on the table?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/infiniti-gt-r-back-on-the-table/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/infiniti-gt-r-back-on-the-table/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/infiniti-gt-r-back-on-the-table/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan GT-R Egoist

When Japanese automakers crank out a supercar, it is, first of all, a rare occasion. And it usually wears the badge of its respective luxury division. Toyota's is the Lexus LFA. Honda's was the Acura NSX (at least here in the States). But not Nissan. That company's supercar - the GT-R - is a Nissan through and through. But that hasn't always been taken for granted.

Infiniti has long been rumored to get a vehicle based on the GT-R, but that scuttlebutt appeared to reach a dead-end a year ago or so. However, the gossip mill has now cranked back up thanks to a certain Monsieur Carlos Ghosn.

The Renault-Nissan CEO has reportedly gone on the record with the UK's CAR, indicating that his luxury marque could - but won't necessarily - build a luxury GT-R. Ghosn stopped short of confirming that a project was in the pipeline, but left the possibility open for the future. So there's some hope. The question is whether an Infiniti supercar would have much room to improve over the existing beast we know as Godzilla, particularly when the above-pictured Egoist model already offers nearly all the trimmings you could ask for.

Infiniti GT-R back on the table? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosnghosngt-rgtrinfinitiinfiniti gt-rnissan gt-rnissan gtrThu, 04 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20008545/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/04/infiniti-gt-r-back-on-the-table/20008545/article-detail.xml 20008545 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/027-nissan-gt-r-egoist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/027-nissan-gt-r-egoist.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Ghosn earned $12M in 2010, making him Japan's highest-paid foreign exec]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/nissans-ghosn-earned-12m-in-2010-making-him-japans-highest-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/nissans-ghosn-earned-12m-in-2010-making-him-japans-highest-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/nissans-ghosn-earned-12m-in-2010-making-him-japans-highest-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Carlos Ghosn

Carlos Ghosn has the honor of being the highest-paid foreign executive of any Japanese company. The Nissan CEO brought home a staggering $12 million for his efforts at the automaker last year alone, which marks a 10-percent increase over his take-home pay last year. For the sake of comparison, The Economic Times reports that Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota Motor Company, drew just $1.6 million in compensation and stock options last year.

It's not as if Ghosn has been sitting on his hands, though. The executive helped lead Nissan to increase its net profit from $524.6 million from March 2008 to March 2009 to $3.95 billion the following year, and he doesn't seem to be anxious to slow down anytime soon. Ghosn just unveiled a new business plan for Nissan called Power 88, which is supposed to help Nissan capture a total global market share of eight percent. Currently, the automaker holds onto around 5.8 percent of total market share.

Nissan's Ghosn earned $12M in 2010, making him Japan's highest-paid foreign exec originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosncarlos ghosn salaryghosnghosn paynissanThu, 30 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979738/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/nissans-ghosn-earned-12m-in-2010-making-him-japans-highest-p/19979738/article-detail.xml 19979738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/ghosn-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/ghosn-630.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan announces "Power 88" business plan, all-new vehicles every six weeks for six years [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/nissan-announces-power-88-business-plan-all-new-vehicles-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/nissan-announces-power-88-business-plan-all-new-vehicles-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/nissan-announces-power-88-business-plan-all-new-vehicles-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn Power 88
Carlos Ghosn announces the Nissan Power 88 plan in Yokohama - Click above to watch video after the jump

Carlos Ghosn has announced the Nissan Power 88 midterm business plan, effective immediately, containing goals that will raise a number of eyebrows. Built on four pillars emphasizing "brand and sales power enhancement, growth, sustainable mobility and mobility for all," Power 88 is in effect from now until 2016, at the end of which time Nissan wants eight percent of global market share and eight-percent operating profit (hence the "88"). That would represent a 2.2-percent increase in market share and a 1.9-percent rise in operating profit versus last year's levels.

The strategy for success includes rolling out, "on average, an all-new vehicle every six weeks for six years" to cover 92 percent of global market segments, launching 90 new technologies over those six years and reaching cumulative electric vehicle sales of 1.5 million units between Renault and Nissan.

Sales in BRIC markets are expected to grow significantly, and Nissan plans to build a factory in Brazil to support efforts there. Much more will be made of Infiniti as well, with sales expected to rocket from 150,000 last year to 500,000 in 2016 and a product portfolio of "at least 10 vehicles." That would account for a projected 10 percent of global luxury market sales.

Ghosn has his eye on joining General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen in the massive sales game, apparently because he sees that as the scale necessary to meet future challenges. Whether or not the automaker can manage such scale remains to be seen. There's a video and a press release with the nitty gritty after the jump.

Continue reading Nissan announces "Power 88" business plan, all-new vehicles every six weeks for six years [w/video]

Nissan announces "Power 88" business plan, all-new vehicles every six weeks for six years [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business plancarlos ghosninfinitinissannissan power 88power 88Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977754/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/27/nissan-announces-power-88-business-plan-all-new-vehicles-ever/19977754/article-detail.xml 19977754 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/nissanpower88announce_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/nissanpower88announce.jpg <![CDATA[French government doesn't want to "destabilize" Renault, eases pressure on Ghosn]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/25/french-government-doesnt-want-to-destabilize-renault-eases-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/25/french-government-doesnt-want-to-destabilize-renault-eases-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/25/french-government-doesnt-want-to-destabilize-renault-eases-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Carlos Ghosn and the Nissan Leaf

The situation at Renault/Nissan has been a bit of a mess lately. Nissan's sales have been lackluster, with extra incentives needed to move metal. French investors have recently shot down CEO Carlos Ghosn's six-year plan for Renault.

Then there is the espionage case that rocked Renault. The case, which involved the alleged stealing of electric vehicle know-how, led to the firing of three Renault execs and an accusation by the French government aimed at China. After some investigating, though, it became clear that the espionage case was really a fraud case, and the only crime committed was a false accusation. Talk about your national embarrassment.

In light of all of Renault/Nissan's troubles, it's not surprising that some are interested in the head of Mr. Ghosn, but French Industry Minister Eric Besson says it's not happening. Automotive News reports that Besson told a French radio station that he hears the call for punishment, but "the industry minister's greater concern at this time is not to destabilize Renault any further." Besson then pointed out all the good things Ghosn has done during his time with the company, and added that the company faces challenges launching its electric vehicles.

It appears Ghosn is getting a pass for the company's recent troubles, but we're guessing that the leader's leash is a bit tighter than it was a couple years ago.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

French government doesn't want to "destabilize" Renault, eases pressure on Ghosn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosncarlos ghosn troublesespionagefranceFrench Industry Minister Eric BessonnissanrenaultFri, 25 Mar 2011 07:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19888447/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/25/french-government-doesnt-want-to-destabilize-renault-eases-p/19888447/article-detail.xml 19888447 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ghosn-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ghosn-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Renault admits wrongful termination in espionage case <i>*Update</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/report-renault-admits-wrongful-termination-in-espionage-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/report-renault-admits-wrongful-termination-in-espionage-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/report-renault-admits-wrongful-termination-in-espionage-case/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Paris prosecutor Jean Claude Marin charges Renault employee

Renault says it wrongfully fired three of its executives, Michael Balthazard, Bertrand Rochette and Matthieu Tenenbaum, on suspicion of industrial espionage. The admission comes after French authorities looked into the company's dismissal of the men and determined that Renault's accusations against them were baseless.

Now, Renault has the embarrassing task of meeting with the execs and figuring out a way to compensate them for the loss of their jobs and the scrutiny that comes with this kind of accusation. Renault originally claimed that the execs had satellite bank accounts in Switzerland and Lichtenstein where they hid funds for spying.

Renault says it's now looking at another employee as a possible spying suspect. Renault is also imposing sanctions against those who were involved in the original terminations, including Dominique Gevrey, the head of security who led the original investigation. Gevrey has been charged by French authorities, led by Paris prosecutor Jean Claude Marin (above) with organized fraud for his hand in the firings. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

*Update: Automotive News (sub. req.) reports that Carlos Ghosn gave up his bonus and turned down second-in-command Patrick Pelata's resignation. Pelata had earlier vowed to fall on his sword if it turned out Renault was wrong in firing the three executives accused of industrial espionage.

Source: Financial Times via Business Week | Image: Christophe Ena/AP]

Report: Renault admits wrongful termination in espionage case *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bertrand Rochettecarlos ghosnespionagefranceMatthieu TenenbaumMichael Balthazardrenaultwrongful terminationMon, 14 Mar 2011 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19878990/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/14/report-renault-admits-wrongful-termination-in-espionage-case/19878990/article-detail.xml 19878990 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/paris-prosecutor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/paris-prosecutor.jpg <![CDATA[Carlos Ghosn under fire at Renault Nissan?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/carlos-ghosn-under-fire-at-renault-nissan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/carlos-ghosn-under-fire-at-renault-nissan/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/carlos-ghosn-under-fire-at-renault-nissan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Carlos Ghosn stands next to a blue 2011 Nissan Leaf

Carlos Ghosn is one of the most dynamic automotive executives you'll currently find. Thanks to his turnaround of Nissan and the way he whipped Renault into shape, Ghosn can stand shoulder to shoulder with such luminaries as Lutz and Marchionne. Past success aside, Renault's investors are less than happy with the present, and they have expressed their displeasure by rejecting Ghosn's latest six-year plan for Renault.

The investors aren't happy that Renault has $20 billion tied up in Nissan, while the French automaker itself is only worth $18 billion. Markets have also noticed, and Renault shares have dropped since the announcement of the rejection. Investors feel that Renault could put less money into Nissan and instead use those funds to shore up its share price, which has fallen significantly since Ghosn assumed the Chief Executive position in 2005.

For his part, Ghosn has faith in his product-centric plans for both nameplates. "You can rewrite stories through products," says Ghosn, who takes a longer view than Renault's financial backers. Renault has a new stylistic direction and Nissan is getting attention with its Leaf electric vehicle.

Still, the long-term outlook may seem like a fairy tale when Nissan's putting heavier discounts on its cars than its competitors to move iron and Renault is facing potential consequences - at the very least a deputy spot will likely be claimed as a sacrifice for the legal troubles, if not Ghosn's position - from an espionage scandal in France. What's more, Nissan's entire success can't be pinned on the Leaf alone.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Carlos Ghosn under fire at Renault Nissan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosncarlos ghosn nissan renaultghosn nissanghosn renaultghosn renault investorsnissan renaultMon, 07 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19869883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/07/carlos-ghosn-under-fire-at-renault-nissan/19869883/article-detail.xml 19869883 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ghosn-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ghosn-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[Mulally tops <i>Motor Trend</i> Power List for 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/mulally-tops-motor-trend-power-list-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/mulally-tops-motor-trend-power-list-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/27/mulally-tops-motor-trend-power-list-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

Alan Mulally, Ford CEO

Motor Trend has compiled and released its annual Power List. This is the seventh year in which MT ranks the names of heaviest hitting personalities in the automotive industry. They're all ranked in order of just how much juice they hold, and sitting at the top of this year's list is Alan Mulally.

Ford's CEO was previously ranked No. 10 in 2009 and rose to No. 2 last year, but this year, MT has him sitting in the pole position. Their argument? Mulally has moved Ford into a place of profitability as well as quality in both design and engineering. In the magazine's words, "every Ford competitor needs a leader like Alan Mulally."

Ford didn't just see a win with Mulally earning the top honor. The automaker saw 10 of its employees in total make the 2011 Power List. General Motors is right behind them with nine folks earning recognition. After those two, the nearest competitor is Volkswagen with six people spread out across VW, Audi and Porsche.

The last few years have seen a flip-flopping trend between domestic and import bosses rising to the top spot on the power list. The 2010 edition saw VW's Ferdinand Piëch as the numero uno automotive player and he's still strong for 2011 with a fall of just one spot to claim the number two position. In 2009, Rick Wagoner was number one before free-falling off the list, and in 2008, Takeo Fukui of Honda sat at the Power List peak.

It's not just team leaders like Mulally and Piëch who make the annual Power List. Well-regarded Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik checks in at No. 10, five spots down from his boss, Chung Mong Koo, Hyundai's global chairman. Peter Schreyer, head of design for Kia is ranked 13th overall and climbed way up from last year's rank of 44th. Doug Parks is GM's vehicle line executive for the Chevrolet Volt, and making sure that car arrived on time and in impressive fashion has landed him in the No. 20 spot.

You don't even need to work for an automaker to make the list because Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson is ranked the 49th most powerful automotive figure... in the world.

The top 10 are as follows:
1. Alan Mulally (CEO, Ford)
2. Ferdinand Piëch (Chairman of Supervisory Board, Volkswagen AG)
3. Carlos Ghosn (President/CEO, Nissan/Renault)
4. Martin Winterkorn (Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen AG)
5. Chung Mong Koo (Chairman, Hyundai)
6. Mark Reuss (President, GM North America & Vice President, GM)
7. Lewis Booth (CFO, Ford)
8. Derrick Kuzak (Group VP Product Development, Ford)
9. Sergio Marchionne (CEO, Fiat/Chrysler)
10. John Krafcik (Hyundai USA, CEO)

Head on over to Motor Trend to read about all 50 players on their 2011 Power List, and then stop by the comments to leave your two-cents about what you think of the list.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mulally tops Motor Trend Power List for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 power listalan mulallycarlos ghosnferdinand piechfordjeremy clarksonmotor trendmotor trend power listpower listMon, 27 Dec 2010 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19777677/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/27/mulally-tops-motor-trend-power-list-for-2011/19777677/article-detail.xml 19777677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/amulallyskv0279_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/amulallyskv0279.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Rattner bio reveals Obama Administration wanted Ghosn to run GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/report-rattner-bio-reveals-obama-administration-wanted-ghosn-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/report-rattner-bio-reveals-obama-administration-wanted-ghosn-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/report-rattner-bio-reveals-obama-administration-wanted-ghosn-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Steven Rattner, former automotive adviser to President Barack Obama, has just written a juicy account of last year's automotive bailout, complete with insights on the coming and goings of CEOs, courting foreign saviors and the General Motors plan to abandon its Renaissance Center headquarters. In his book, "Overhaul: An Insider's Account of the Obama Administration's Emergency Rescue of the Auto Industry," Rattner says that GM wanted to walk away from its expensive towers in downtown Detroit and move to Warren, MI. While the move would have likely saved the company plenty of money and lent the impression of a hands-on management approach, the Obama administration apparently refused to allow the move, saying that it would cause a double-digit drop in property values in the area.

There's also the fact that GM pays around $20 million in taxes to Detroit per year.

According to The Detroit News, Rattner also offered the GM CEO position to none other than Nissan/Renault head honcho Carlos Ghosn after Rick Wagoner was shown the door. Ghosn, who had previously sought a partnership between his empire and The General, politely declined the offer. How's that for a head job?

Even through all of the turmoil, The Detroit News quotes Rattner as saying that the automotive bailout is one of this administration's "unambiguous successes."

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neison Barnard/Getty for Fortune Magazine]

Report: Rattner bio reveals Obama Administration wanted Ghosn to run GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to a Nissan official, a report suggesting that Carlos Ghosn is stepping aside after more than decade at the helm of Nissan "is not true!" A local news site in Cool Springs, TN (near the automaker's North American headquarters) reported today that Ghosn, who is currently the CEO of both Nissan and French automaker Renault, plans to surrender the Nissan post to Carlo Tavares. Tavares is currently the Executive Vice President of Nissan Americas Operations.

Nissan spokeswoman Katherine Zachary emphatically told Autoblog that the Coolsprings.com report is "not true" but declined any further comment on the matter. Ghosn became Chief Operating Officer at Nissan in 1999 before later being named CEO. His leadership is largely credited with the brand's product resurgence in the past decade and saving it from bankruptcy. More recently, Ghosn has pushed both Nissan and Renault to produce large volumes of mainstream electric vehicles.

Just a few short months ago, Ghosn was re-elected to serve as the head of Renault for another four years. If we hear any more news on the matter, we'll dutifully pass it along.

[Source: Coolsprings.com]

False Report? Carlos Ghosn not stepping aside as Nissan CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carlos Ghosncarlos tavaresCarlosGhosnCarlosTavaresnissannissan ceoNissanCeorenaultWed, 30 Jun 2010 18:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19537655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/30/false-report-carlos-ghosn-not-stepping-aside-as-nissan-ceo/19537655/article-detail.xml 19537655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ghosn-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ghosn-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Nissan to pay directors four times more than Toyota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/report-nissan-to-pay-directors-four-times-more-than-toyota/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/report-nissan-to-pay-directors-four-times-more-than-toyota/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/report-nissan-to-pay-directors-four-times-more-than-toyota/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

According to Bloomberg, Nissan is the place to be a director for a Japanese automaker. According to a new article, Nissan Motor Company hands its directors close to four times the amount of pay as its rival Toyota and three times as much as what Honda directors bring home. Averaged among all of Nissan's directors, the heads of the company make around $1.5 million per year, compared to around $411,150 for Toyota's gurus and $529,561 for Honda's head honchos. Keep in mind those numbers are based on current conversion rates.

So what gives? For one, Nissan is shacked up with Renault at the moment, giving the company a bit of an international flavor and the pay scales that comes along with that association, but a bigger factor may be that Toyota and Honda compensate their heads of state in other ways. Toyota, for example, hands out stock options worth around $171,000 in addition to base salary in order to help make up some of the gap.

Despite the massive amounts of cash heading to Nissan's directors, the company can't quite keep up the pace in either profits or sales with its main domestic rivals. The company fell dead last among the big Japanese three in sales for the past year.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Nissan to pay directors four times more than Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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