'We have 12 to 14 months': Major car manufacturer may hit the brakes soon
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The automotive industry is no stranger to the ebb and flow of economic fortunes.
With new players coming in from all over the globe, even established brands could be driven away from the market.
A stalwart in the global car market has been facing a crisis that could spell a disaster if not prevented.
Japanese vehicle manufacturer Nissan has been scrambling for its future after a seismic shift in its partnerships.
For decades, Nissan has been a prominent player with a reputation for producing reliable and affordable vehicles.
However, long-time partner Renault revealed its plans to divest from Nissan.
This move sent shockwaves throughout the industry and raised fears that Nissan could be on the brink of collapse.
Nissan and Renault have been partners since 1999 when the latter stepped in to rescue Nissan from bankruptcy.
This alliance allowed for shared technology, resources, and strategic positioning in the global market.
With Renault's planned exit, Nissan has to fill the financial void and find a new investor to secure its future.
According to insiders, Nissan is in a race against time.
'We have 12 or 14 months to survive,' one of the company's senior officials shared.
The company has been looking for a stable, long-term shareholder—like banks or insurance groups—to take some of Renault's equity holding.
This year has been a critical period for Nissan as it finalises a new electric vehicle (EV) partnership with former rival brand Honda.
The manufacturer's collaboration with Honda could be a silver lining amidst the turmoil.
As China's influence in the EV market continues to grow, the alliance between the two Japanese car brands could strengthen their position in the North American market.
Nissan recently faced criticism for lagging behind in hybrid technology, as competitors like Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia have already capitalised on petrol-electric models.
While Nissan has e-Power models available in Australia, it has yet to launch the much-anticipated Ariya electric SUV.
The possibility of Mitsubishi Motors joining a Nissan-Honda alliance also added another layer of intrigue.
As of writing, Nissan has a significant stake in Mitsubishi.
Although plans are in place to reduce this as part of the restructuring with Renault, it leaves the door open for a powerful three-way Japanese alliance.
Andrew Humberstone, Nissan Oceania's newly appointed Vice President and Managing Director, expressed the brand's commitment to reviving its legacy in Australia and increasing its market share in the long run.
'We've been here for decades, and yet we haven't told that story. This is something we're absolutely going to change,' Mr Humberstone stated.
As the clock ticks away for Nissan, the automotive world watches with bated breath.
The company's ability to navigate these turbulent waters will both determine its fate and could reshape the global car industry.
Have you owned a Nissan vehicle, and how was your experience with it? Do you believe Nissan can overcome these challenges? Join the conversation and share your opinions with us in the comments section.
With new players coming in from all over the globe, even established brands could be driven away from the market.
A stalwart in the global car market has been facing a crisis that could spell a disaster if not prevented.
Japanese vehicle manufacturer Nissan has been scrambling for its future after a seismic shift in its partnerships.
For decades, Nissan has been a prominent player with a reputation for producing reliable and affordable vehicles.
However, long-time partner Renault revealed its plans to divest from Nissan.
This move sent shockwaves throughout the industry and raised fears that Nissan could be on the brink of collapse.
Nissan's top car models include the X-Trail, the Patrol, and the Navara ute. Image Credit: Nissan Australia
Nissan and Renault have been partners since 1999 when the latter stepped in to rescue Nissan from bankruptcy.
This alliance allowed for shared technology, resources, and strategic positioning in the global market.
With Renault's planned exit, Nissan has to fill the financial void and find a new investor to secure its future.
According to insiders, Nissan is in a race against time.
'We have 12 or 14 months to survive,' one of the company's senior officials shared.
The company has been looking for a stable, long-term shareholder—like banks or insurance groups—to take some of Renault's equity holding.
This year has been a critical period for Nissan as it finalises a new electric vehicle (EV) partnership with former rival brand Honda.
The manufacturer's collaboration with Honda could be a silver lining amidst the turmoil.
As China's influence in the EV market continues to grow, the alliance between the two Japanese car brands could strengthen their position in the North American market.
Nissan recently faced criticism for lagging behind in hybrid technology, as competitors like Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia have already capitalised on petrol-electric models.
While Nissan has e-Power models available in Australia, it has yet to launch the much-anticipated Ariya electric SUV.
The possibility of Mitsubishi Motors joining a Nissan-Honda alliance also added another layer of intrigue.
As of writing, Nissan has a significant stake in Mitsubishi.
Although plans are in place to reduce this as part of the restructuring with Renault, it leaves the door open for a powerful three-way Japanese alliance.
Andrew Humberstone, Nissan Oceania's newly appointed Vice President and Managing Director, expressed the brand's commitment to reviving its legacy in Australia and increasing its market share in the long run.
'We've been here for decades, and yet we haven't told that story. This is something we're absolutely going to change,' Mr Humberstone stated.
As the clock ticks away for Nissan, the automotive world watches with bated breath.
The company's ability to navigate these turbulent waters will both determine its fate and could reshape the global car industry.
