Nissan
Nissan is set to start exporting its compact SUV, the Chennai-built Magnite, to global markets.
Nissan Motor India has started exporting the Left-Hand Drive (LHD) version of the Nissan Magnite, a B-segment SUV, to various markets in January 2025. The company has dispatched around 2,900 units of the LHD Magnite to select LATAM markets and plans to export over 7,100 additional units this month, targeting markets in West Asia, North Africa, LATAM, and the Asia-Pacific region. By February, the total export of the LHD Magnite is expected to exceed 10,000 units.
This milestone marks a significant achievement in Nissan’s global expansion strategy, as the company continues to reinforce India’s role as a key manufacturing and export hub. The new Magnite, which was launched in October 2024, has gained popularity in India and right-hand drive (RHD) markets and will now be exported to over 65 global RHD and LHD markets.
The company’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision is being achieved through this export push, which highlights India’s increasing importance as a key manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. The export initiative is also in line with the company’s “One Car, One World” philosophy, which aims to bring a single global product to multiple markets.
This development comes on the heels of Nissan Motor India’s recent shipment of the RHD Magnite to South Africa, with over 2,700 units exported within a month of its global launch. The Nissan Magnite has recorded cumulative sales of over 170,000 units since its launch in December 2020. The company’s exports of the LHD Magnite are expected to further boost its sales and establish India as a major manufacturing and export hub for the automaker.
Honda’s motorcycle business shines as a beacon of success within Nissan’s vast and complex conglomerate.
The article “Honda’s Motorcycle Business Is the Gem in a Messy Nissan Union” from Bloomberg highlights the disparity between Honda’s successful motorcycle business and the struggles of its parent company, Nissan. Despite being part of the same company, Honda’s motorcycle division has consistently outperformed Nissan’s overall performance.
Honda’s motorcycle division has been a major cash cow for the company, with sales increasing by 14% in 2020 despite the global pandemic. The division’s success is attributed to its strong brand recognition, innovative products, and efficient supply chain management. In contrast, Nissan has struggled to regain its footing after a series of missteps, including a CEO change, product quality issues, and supply chain disruptions.
The article notes that Honda’s motorcycle business is not only a cash generator but also a driver of innovation. The company’s motorcycle division has been at the forefront of technological advancements, introducing features like advanced safety systems, fuel-efficient engines, and electric motorcycles. In contrast, Nissan’s focus on flexible manufacturing has led to inefficiencies and quality issues in its production processes.
The article suggests that Honda’s motorcycle business is a clear example of how a company can function well despite its parent company’s struggles. This is because the motorcycle division is self-sufficient and less dependent on Nissan’s overall performance. Furthermore, Honda’s motorcycle business has a stronger brand identity, which helps it to attract customers and maintain a competitive edge.
In conclusion, the article posits that Honda’s motorcycle business is the exception rather than the rule in the context of the messy Nissan union. While Nissan struggles to find its footing, Honda’s motorcycle division continues to thrive, driven by its innovative products, strong brand recognition, and efficient supply chain management. The success of Honda’s motorcycle business serves as a model for other companies to emulate, highlighting the importance of a strong brand identity, efficient operations, and innovative products in achieving success.
Kunimitsu Honda Concludes Sepang Test on a High Note
The opening SUPER GT pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia concluded with Honda and Team Kunimitsu claiming the fastest time. Tadasuke Makino posted a lap time of 1:48.911 on the morning session, narrowly surpassing Naoki Yamamoto’s previous best time of 1:48.996. The No. 3 NISMO Nissan Z, driven by Atsushi Miyake, finished second with a time of 1:49.051, just 0.150 seconds off the pace.
The top three positions were completed by Giuliano Alesi in the No. 37 TOM’S Toyota GR Supra, who set a time of 1:49.112. Two more Nissans, the No. 24 Kondo Racing car and the No. 12 Team Impul car, finished in the top five.
Several notable drivers and teams participated in the test, including defending GT500 champions Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita, who drove the No. 90 Toyota test car. Rookie driver Sacha Fenestraz, who is switching from GT300 to GT500, made his first laps in a GT500 car since December 2023. Hibiki Taira, a Toyota GT300 driver, also drove the No. 14 Rookie GR Supra, marking his first experience of a GT300 car.
The test was wrapped up with attention now turning to the first of two domestic makers’ tests at Okayama International Circuit on February 12-13, followed by another test at Fuji Speedway on February 27-28. The GT300 field will have its first test of the pre-season at Fuji on February 6-7, which will be followed by another test at Okayama on February 20-21.
Foretelling the future of the auto industry is a daunting task, as the road ahead is shrouded in uncertainty.
The auto industry is facing unprecedented uncertainty and change in the new year, making it difficult to predict its future direction. The incoming Trump administration’s plans to roll back regulations on internal combustion engines and eliminate electric vehicle (EV) incentives are causing concern. The administration’s goal is to give ICEs more space in the market, but this could lead to higher emissions and lower fuel economy standards.
Meanwhile, legacy automakers are struggling to adapt to the changing market. Nissan, one of the pioneers in the EV race, has announced that it has only a year’s worth of cash left and is considering merger talks with Honda. This has implications for Renault, which could leave the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. Other legacy carmakers, such as Stellantis and Volkswagen, are also facing challenges, including declining sales and backlash from dealers.
The rapid change and uncertainty in the industry are making it difficult to predict what the future holds. The Trump administration’s plans could slow down the growth of the EV industry, while the struggles of legacy automakers could lead to consolidation and restructuring. The industry is at a crossroads, and it remains to be seen how it will adapt to the changing landscape.
The article also mentions the potential impact of the Trump administration’s plans on the EV industry, including the possibility of eliminating the $7,000 federal tax credit for EV purchases. This could make EVs less affordable for consumers and slow down their adoption. Additionally, the administration’s plans to roll back California’s ability to impose its own emissions regulations could have a ripple effect on other states and the overall industry.
Overall, the auto industry is facing a period of significant change and uncertainty, and it remains to be seen how it will adapt to the new landscape.