Tag: Nissan

Japan – Months after announcing a possible major merger deal, Nissan is reportedly halting its $60b merger talks with Honda, a move that would have created the world’s third-largest automaker.

According to a Reuters report, multiple anonymous sources revealed that merger talks between the two Japanese automakers have become increasingly complicated due to growing differences. 

Earlier, Reuters also reported that Nissan was considering calling off negotiations after Honda proposed making Nissan a subsidiary. One source stated that Nissan baulked at the idea, as it deviated from the original plan of a merger between equals.

Additionally, another source revealed that Honda, with a larger market value than Nissan, has grown increasingly concerned about its smaller rival’s progress on its turnaround plan.

While the future of the merger remains uncertain, two anonymous sources suggested that the possibility of reviving talks has not been ruled out, Reuters further revealed.

Notably, Nissan shares dropped over 4% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, prompting a temporary trading halt after a Nikkei report claimed the automaker would exit merger talks. In contrast, Honda shares jumped more than 8%, reflecting apparent investor relief.

According to Reuters, both companies stated that the Nikkei report was not based on official information and reiterated their goal of finalising a decision by mid-February.

Nissan and Honda initially aimed to finalise their integration plans by the end of January but later postponed the decision to mid-February.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that last month, sources indicated Mitsubishi Motors—Nissan’s smaller alliance partner—was reconsidering its involvement in the merger and might no longer join.

Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan) and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) have officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to initiate discussions on a potential business integration, which could lead to the creation of a joint holding company to unite their operations.

In an official press release, Nissan and Honda announced plans to form a joint holding company through a share transfer, making both automakers wholly owned subsidiaries of the new entity. The companies further emphasised their commitment to maintaining and equally developing the distinct brands under Honda and Nissan.

The signed MOU aims to enhance global competitiveness, enabling both companies to deliver more innovative and appealing products and services to customers worldwide.

If realized, the business integration would allow the automotive giants to combine resources, enhance synergies, adapt to market shifts, and boost long-term corporate value. By uniting their automotive, motorcycle, and power product businesses, they aim to strengthen Japan’s industrial base and deliver more innovative, appealing products worldwide.

Speaking on the announcement, Makoto Uchida, director, president, CEO, and representative executive officer of Nissan, said, “Today marks a pivotal moment as we begin discussions on business integration that has the potential to shape our future. If realized, I believe that by uniting the strengths of both companies, we can deliver unparalleled value to customers worldwide who appreciate our respective brands. Together, we can create a unique way for them to enjoy cars that neither company could achieve alone.”

Nissan and Honda said they will form an integration preparatory committee to ensure a smooth transition and identify specific synergies based on due diligence. By leveraging these synergies—such as platform standardization, R&D integration, manufacturing optimization, and supply chain efficiency—the companies aim to become a world-class mobility leader, targeting sales revenue exceeding ¥30 trillion and operating profit over ¥3 trillion. Additional benefits include enhanced sales finance capabilities, operational efficiency, and a strong talent foundation for electrification and intelligence.

Toshihiro Mibe, director and representative executive officer of Honda, said, “Creation of new mobility value by bringing together the resources including knowledge, talents, and technologies that Honda and Nissan have been developing over the long years is essential to overcome challenging environmental shifts that the auto industry is facing.”

“Honda and Nissan are two companies with distinctive strengths. We are still at the stage of starting our review, and we have not decided on a business integration yet, but in order to find a direction for the possibility of business integration by the end of January 2025, we strive to be the one and only leading company that creates new mobility value through chemical reaction that can only be driven through synthesis of the two teams,” Mibe added. 

The share transfer ratio will be finalized when the definitive agreement for the business integration is signed, based on due diligence, third-party valuations, and recent average share prices. Upon the share transfer’s effective date, Honda will appoint a majority of both internal and external directors for the joint holding company, including the president and representative director or executive officer.

It is worth noting that Nissan and Honda first signed an MOU in March to establish a strategic partnership focused on vehicle intelligence and electrification, aiming to accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality and zero traffic fatalities. Since then, they have explored collaboration across various fields.

In August, the companies signed another MOU to strengthen their partnership, agreeing to conduct joint research on next-generation software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms, with a focus on advancing intelligence and electrification technologies.

Amid these discussions, the automotive industry has faced rapid technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. On December 18, reports surfaced from Nikkei Asia that the two companies were entering merger talks to better compete with Tesla and emerging Chinese EV makers, underscoring the urgency of their collaboration.

Tokyo, Japan – INFINITI, the luxury vehicle arm of automotive brand Nissan, has recently released an immersive digital experience which brings the brand’s new ‘Moonbow Blue’ colour to life, and celebrating the brand’s design philosophy, which takes inspiration from Japanese nature, where moonbows have long been part of Japan’s art and design heritage.

INFINITI recently ‘Moonbow Blue’ – a hue that combines shades of blue, grey, lilac and light magenta all at once, just like a moonbow, making it a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of blue. Said new colour scheme will be used to launch its three-row SUV QX60 model.

The campaign was conceptualised alongside Istanbul-based art studio Ouchhh Studio and creative agency Publicis Q in Tokyo. Ouchhh Studio’s generative artworks are now on display within the INFINITI lounge at the brand’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan and across the brand’s social channels, and will soon appear in dealerships and in branded expositions in key markets.

Darren Hester, deputy general manager for INFINITI global marketing, said, “To get people to experience Moonbow Blue, we shot for the moon. Quite literally, using millions of years of data. Launched on the night of the full moon, this one-of-a-kind experiment is a true testament to INFINITI’s drive to continually push boundaries and create unique luxury experiences.”

Bangkok, Thailand – Nissan has announced the promotion of Isao Sekiguchi as president of Nissan in the ASEAN region. The appointment is targeted to transform Nissan’s business in the region in accordance with its long-term vision, Nissan Ambition 2030.

Currently, Sekiguchi holds the regional vice president of marketing and sales, for Nissan’s ASEAN region and president of Nissan Motor Thailand roles. In the new role, he will oversee Nissan’s operations in the ASEAN region while continuing his current role at Nissan Motor Thailand.

Sekiguchi will likewise oversee the Japanese automaker’s business performance and brand development in 22 markets, including the ten ASEAN member states, and manage all functions in ASEAN. This includes manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain management, research and development, marketing, sales, and other supporting functions. 

He will also be responsible for driving Nissan’s ASEAN growth strategy, which includes positioning Nissan as a leader in the era of electrified mobility.

Sekiguchi brings with him more than 20 years of diverse international experience in the automotive sector. He joined Nissan in 2014 as managing director for Nissan North Africa and Egypt and has served as president director of Nissan Motor Indonesia since 2018. 

Prior to Nissan, he worked with a major Japanese trading house, Sumitomo Corporation, with experience in leading and managing automotive companies based in the US, Germany, and Slovakia.

“We are confident that Sekiguchi-san will lead our ASEAN business to sustainable and profitable growth with his deep understanding of the ASEAN markets and his proven leadership. Nissan aims to continue providing value beyond mobility to customers and society in this region, as well as to lay a solid foundation for long-term growth,” said Junichi Endo, senior vice president of marketing and sales, Japan-ASEAN, at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Sekiguchi’s appointment will be effective on April 1, 2023.

Mumbai, India – Advertising agency TBWA\ India appoints Ranjeev Vij as executive director for its North operations to further drive a growth strategy for the agency. Simultaneously, Vij was appointed as managing director of Nissan United 3.0, the dedicated marketing agency for the Nissan brand by TBWA\ to further elevate the impact of the team.

Vij brings with him a strong background in advertising, digital, data and PR working across the markets of United Kingdom and India. In his last stint, he was with Adfactors PR as digital evangelist where he led the digital-first integrated creative mandates and helped in scaling up its digital practice.

He has also worked with marketing and advertising agencies Ogilvy, McCann, BBDO and information technology consulting company Cognizant amongst others. 

Govind Pandey, chief executive officer at TBWA\India said that Ranjeev’s expertise will further accelerate the agency’s ambition to be the leader in total brand experience and disruptive thinking.

Meanwhile, Vij said that the success of brands will be achieved if there is an ability to harness various aspects such as creativity, data, design, technology, experience, commerce, and advertising. 

“I look forward to utilising my diverse experience and propelling our clients’ business forward,” he added.

Aside from Nissan, TBWA\’s global clients include adidas, Apple, Gatorade, Henkel, Hilton Hotels, McDonald’s and Singapore Airlines.

Last month, TBWA\ India has also appointed Russell Barrett as its chief creative experience officer.

Manila, Philippines – Automobile manufacturer Nissan in the Philippines has appointed Juan Manuel Hoyos, former general manager of global brand and engagement at Nissan, to be its new president during the handover ceremony held last 11 May 2022 at Okada Manila.

In his new role as president, Hoyos will be responsible for steering the company’s direction to drive product innovation and business improvements. During the event, he shared his plans to strengthen the Nissan brand in the country to improve its competitiveness and to continue to provide excellent aftersales service to its customers.

Hoyos joined Nissan in 2017 as marketing director for the Latin America region, where he later took on the role of general manager of global engagement brand, based in Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama. Before Nissan, Hoyos has also held various management positions at Renault and General Motors.

The event also celebrated the achievements of the outgoing president, Atsushi Najima, as he begins his new role as the chief financial officer at Nissan India.

Recounting his achievements and challenges during his term, Najima commented that he is excited for Nissan in the Philippines as it charts a new chapter with Hoyos at the helm, as his vast experience in the automotive industry will help him sustain the growth that they have established in the last three years, as the country steadily recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic

“It is a bittersweet moment for me as I move to my new assignment. My family and I will definitely miss the warmth and hospitality of our colleagues and partners. At the same time, I am proud of the company Nissan Philippines has become through the hard work, passion, and perseverance of its people,” said Najima.

Meanwhile, Hoyos noted that they will continue to focus on their highly dedicated people, excellent products and service, and exceptional customer experience so they can sustain the company’s growth trajectory through this management transition. 

“I look forward to further growing the Nissan brand in the Philippines, building upon the solid foundation of trust it has laid over the years,” he said.

Yokohama, Japan — Automobile manufacturer Nissan Motor has announced a senior management change in its communications division as it appoints Lavanya Wadgaonkar, current divisional manager in charge of global communications, to now become the vice president of global communications, effective as of April 01, 2022.

Wadgaonkar holds an extensive understanding of the industry with over 27 years of international experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand management, marketing and sustainability. Prior to joining Nissan in 2012, Wadgaonkar worked at a printing company, Lexmark, petrochemical conglomerate, Reliance and diversified power management company, Eaton in various leadership roles in communications and marketing.

Wadgaonkar previously spearheaded and developed the communications and external and government affairs functions for Nissan Asia and Oceania. Now in the new role, she is tasked with the responsibility to lead all of Nissan’s communications including building the company’s reputation globally, engaging the internal and external audiences and driving sustainability communications.

Wadgaonkar will continue to report to Sadayuki Hamaguchi, corporate vice president for Nissan Global Communications.

Bangkok, Thailand – Japanese automaker Nissan has announced three new changes in the senior management of the company’s presence in the ASEAN region, a part of their midterm plan streamlining operation, financial stability and profitability.

Isao Sekiguchi (left of banner picture) has been appointed as regional vice president for marketing and sales in ASEAN, where he will report to Yukio Ito, corporate vice president for marketing and sales in Japan-ASEAN and is effective starting December 1, 2020.

Prior to his position, he worked for Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corporation, and is responsible for managing automotive companies based in US, Germany, and Slovakia. He later joined Nissan in 2014 as managing director for Nissan North Africa and Egypt, and later on as president director for Nissan Motor Indonesia.

Yutaka Sanada (center of banner picture) is promoted as Nissan’s corporate vice president for corporate strategy and special projects, and will report to Hideaki Watanabe, senior vice president for corporate strategy, new mobility, corporate governance, corporate management, board of directors office. Sanada joined Nissan in 1999 and has held various positions concerning logistics, sales and marketing, production and supply chain management. More recently, he was Nissan’s regional senior vice president and head of Asia & Oceania (A&O) operations.

“Sanada has been instrumental in strengthening the Asia & Oceania region and in driving a focused strategy. He has created a strong, customer-focused organization that makes us well-positioned to tap into new opportunities. In his new role, Sanada’s deep understanding of the business will further support the execution of the Nissan NEXT transformation plan,” said Ashwani Gupta, chief operating officer at Nissan.

Former corporate vice president for Nissan Japan business Yukio Ito (right of banner picture) has been promoted as Nissan corporate vice president marketing and sales for the Japan-ASEAN region, and will report to Asako Hoshino, executive vice president for brand champion, global marketing and sales, global customer experience, MC chairperson for Nissan Japan-ASEAN.

Sanada and Ito’s appointments are effective by January 1, 2021.

The senior management shuffle is part of Nissan NEXT, the company’s corporate revamp, including new car models and market realignment to four key regions: Japan-ASEAN, China, Americas and AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania).

Manila, Philippines – The Japanese automaker Nissan in the Philippines welcomes local celebrity Matteo Guidicelli as the brand’s new ambassador, formally introduced during the company’s annual Dealer of the Year Awards on November 6.

A local actor-singer and multisport athlete, Guidicelli expressed high hopes for the new partnership, which also coincided with the company’s recently launched brand campaign “Dare the Impossible.”

Matteo Guidicelli and Nissan Philippines President/Managing Director Atsushi Najima
Matteo Guidicelli (left) recently met with Nissan in the Philippines President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima during a recent company event.

“The Dare the Impossible campaign is a brilliant way to further ignite the passion and innovation behind Nissan. In combination with the brand’s new look, this attitude is something I can totally relate [to and] live by. I am looking forward to the full experience from the vehicle line-up, including the Nissan Terra, Navarra, Patrol, the 370Z, the fully electric Nissan LEAF, and beyond,” says Matteo Guidicelli.

Meanwhile, Atsushi Najima, president and managing director for Nissan in the Philippines commented, “With Matteo, we are further igniting the Nissan brand in the Philippines. He is an inspiration and fully aligned to how we manage marketing, sales, consumer touch points, dealer network, after sales and communications. We are proud to have Matteo with us, as Nissan boldly shapes an innovative and human-centric future in the country and in the region.”

Bangkok, Thailand – The Asia and Oceania legs of international vehicle brand Nissan unveils a new brand campaign, which it claims to be bolder than its previous ones, carrying the central tagline “Dare the impossible, until it’s not.” 

The fresh campaign is initially launched in four key markets of Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines, and Australia. It leads a digital-first approach, and for the first installment, a brand-led video has been recently released in the region, whereas for the new brand website, it premiered on September 14 in the first batch of countries except Indonesia. 

In a press statement by the company, Vice President for Marketing in the region Nirmal Nair is quoted to have said, “We warn those who want traditional approaches to please not watch our new Nissan brand campaign or they will be disappointed.”

The video, which was released on YouTube, features three individuals, each shown to endeavor in an activity such as playing badminton and operating a drone, and are depicted pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone. 

The website on the other hand, now bears the main tagline on its landing page, with a sub-description, “Nissan is driven by the belief that we can all achieve the extraordinary by daring to reach for goals that seem impossible. We refuse to settle, we move beyond.” The video is also now embedded in the home page.

Nair said, “Do not expect the Nissan you think you know. Today we have a new attitude, new look, new swag, new services, [and] new cars.”

He added, “Brands need to be genuine to themselves. That’s why Nissan has taken this bold step. Daring to be different is in Nissan’s DNA. Our rich history of invention and ‘world-firsts’ defines our innovative present and now, our promise of a bold future. This campaign is aligned to this direction.”

The strategy of the campaign is multi-platform and will involve a wide use of a newly implemented tech stack to do precision marketing among a freshly defined brand audience. The company said that its aim is to excite prospects and drive them to the newly structured website, where they can explore the real Nissan and its heritage of innovations and pioneering technology. 

“Building a thriving brand is our top priority, backed by our strategy to be the innovative challenger, [and] supported by electrifying one in four vehicles in Asia and Oceania under our mid-term plan,” said  Nair.