Nissan Aims to Regain Its Excitement. Here’s the Strategy.
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Nissan finds itself in a challenging position. There is a passionate enthusiast community that supports the brand and its heritage, but despite this strong affection, enthusiasm has waned recently due to a bleak situation and a lackluster product lineup. However, just over a year into his tenure, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa expressed to The Drive a straightforward message for fans: “Nissan is back.” These are bold statements, but the leader of this historic automaker is wasting no time, already revealing an extensive turnaround plan.
In Yokohama, Japan, Ponz Pandikuthira, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, sat down exclusively with The Drive for a one-on-one conversation in the latest episode of The Drivecast. Pandikuthira announced that a new department is being established to produce heritage parts and restomod kits, a JDM conversion kit for the upcoming Infiniti Q50 will be made available in the U.S. to transform it into a true Nissan Skyline, and a 600-plus-horsepower QX80 will be hitting dealerships later this year. He also discussed the anticipated revival of the Xterra, a line of frame-based SUVs and trucks, and more.
The newest episode of The Drivecast takes you behind the scenes with Nissan's executive team, which is now composed of automotive enthusiasts eager to reinstate the Silvia and develop a sports car lineup. It covers what's on the horizon for the Z and updates on current projects, and, of course, addresses the GT-R, which is currently inactive (note: not dead).
Are you a first-time listener? The Drivecast is The Drive's weekly podcast, releasing episodes on Wednesdays. Each week, it provides insights into the major stories, controversies, and figures influencing the automotive industry and our roads today. With The Drive's insider access and original reporting, The Drivecast seeks to ensure that everyone feels like an insider.
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Nissan is entering the heritage parts market, and US enthusiasts will also benefit.
"Nissan North America's leader exclusively informed The Drive that they will not engage in half measures, disclosing that an executive with a background in motorsports has been appointed to develop heritage components, restomod kits, and backdating programs on an industrial scale within the next six to twelve months."
Nissan Aims to Regain Its Excitement. Here’s the Strategy.
From a traditional parts department to JDM conversion kits, adjustable powertrains, and additional offerings, the head of Nissan America shared exclusively with The Drive what changes are on the horizon for the automaker.