Much of the automaker’s woes can be pinned on an ageing lineup of outdated cars
NISSAN Motor wants to be directly involved in the development and rollout of new products, in a potential tie-up with a new business partner, rather than just serving as a contract manufacturer according to sources familiar with the matter.
Nissan’s failed deal with Honda Motor reopened the door for Hon Hai Precision Industry, which previously expressed interest in buying Renault’s stake in the struggling Japanese automaker. While Nissan is receptive to cooperating with Hon Hai and would not outright reject the Taiwanese iPhone maker, there would be more merit in creating a relationship with a big tech firm, said the sources, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.
Tech companies in the US and China have moved into autonomous and advanced driving assist technology, in tandem with the global auto industry’s shift towards electric cars with sophisticated software. For instance, Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has made a successful push into electric vehicles (EVs), while Google parent Alphabet’s Waymo robo-taxi is gaining traction, even as legacy automakers such as General Motors retreat from the business.
Nissan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Much of Nissan’s woes can be pinned on an ageing lineup of outdated cars. Its early lead in cheap EVs has been overtaken by Chinese automakers such as BYD, and it lacks the latest-generation hybrids to compete effectively in the US.
The search for a new partner after talks with Honda unravelled comes as Nissan’s board is set to meet on Tuesday (Mar 11) to discuss the possible replacement of chief executive officer Makoto Uchida.
The board started drawing up plans to replace Uchida after another poor fiscal quarter and as the Honda deal started to fall apart, Bloomberg reported in February.
The automaker is considering three foreign candidates for the role, the Yomiuri reported on Friday. The trio are chief financial officer Jeremie Papin, chief performance officer Guillaume Cartier and chief planning officer Ivan Espinosa, the report said. BLOOMBERG
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