Carlos Ghosn Outlines Bold Plan for Nissan in Europe

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News of September 12, 2001

Carlos Ghosn Outlines Bold Plan for Nissan in Europe

Carlos Ghosn and the new Primera

Photo: Automotive Intelligence

FRANKFURT, Germany - At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Company, announced the goal for Nissan "to become the most distinctive Japanese brand in Europe." The announcement came as Mr. Ghosn introduced the new generation Primera, one of the most significant new vehicles in Nissan's product-led revival in Europe. He also unveiled two new concept cars, the Crossbow and the mm.e, which hint at the company's new product design and technology direction.

The new Nissan Primera, which will be launched in Europe early next year, will offer a range of technology features available for the first time in the D-segment, including Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), a rear view camera and Nissan's innovative centrally-located control unit which operates all of the major on-board functions. Nissan plans to sell 120,000 units of the new car per year in Europe, raising its share of the D-segment market from 3.7% to 5%.

Introducing the car, Mario Canavesi, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing from Nissan Europe said, "The new generation Primera is likely to be seen as the most innovative product in its class. It has a futuristic exterior and interior design and layout, Nissan's human-machine interface system and a best-in-class balance between ride comfort and handling."

Mr. Ghosn said, "The new generation Primera embodies the spirit and identity of the new Nissan in Europe, our best thinking, design and engineering."

Nissan mm.e

Photo: Automotive Intelligence

Mr. Ghosn also unveiled two new concept cars, the Crossbow and mm.e. The Crossbow 4x4 concept, which builds on Nissan's 50-year heritage in the off-road sector, is the company's vision of a top-of-the-range 4x4. Its solid and imposing exterior encapsulates an interior which combines functionality with understated luxury.

Nissan Crossbow

Photo: Automotive Intelligence

The mm.e concept is Nissan's first step towards the creation of the new Micra, due for launch in Europe in 2003. The mm.e's design is both simple yet elegant, giving the car a very distinct personality. The mm.e concept is fully equipped with advanced technology features, such as a laptop style screen which displays navigation, music, climate, communications and vehicle status information.

Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Director of Design at Nissan Motor Company, said, "The concepts on display represent Nissan's design philosophy: the co-existence of traditional and new values in design and the application of technology for human benefit."

Mr. Ghosn said, "These vehicles demonstrate that Nissan is changing. Our goal is to become the most distinctive brand in Europe, a brand that offers something special to our customers."

Nissan is at the half-way point of its three year Revival Plan, during which time 22 new models are being launched globally. The company, which employs over 133,000 people worldwide, has a turnover of 6,090 billion yen (US$3.2 million, Euro 55.9 billion).

(Sept. 11, 2001)

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