Disruption in the auto industry: It's time to embrace the change

by News Feeder, 17-02-2024, 10:18 PM

In his latest LinkedIn Influencer post, Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn addresses the issue of "disruption" in the auto industry and competitors who promise a new approach to what a car can be. The LinkedIn post is excerpted from a keynote speech Ghosn gave at the opening of the New York International Auto Show on March 23. Read all of Ghosn's LinkedIn posts here.If you have read some of the recent commentary on the auto industry, you could get the impression that it's headed into a long, stormy, uneasy winter.There's been a lot of talk about "disruption," about new competitors who promise a new approach to what a car can be.Much of this unease over potential disruption has resulted from the rapid emergence of new technologies and "mobility services" – all of which are competing to establish a new vision of our industry's future. In addition, these technologies are developing at a speed unfamiliar to our industry.Whether we're talking about Autonomous Drive and connected vehicle technologies, ride-sharing services, or alternative propulsion technologies, the fact is, nobody in the industry knows for certain which will become mainstream.Companies can make some educated guesses and calculated bets – and we have – but in the end customers will decide which technologies and business plans will survive.So, yes, the future isn't clear. The biggest questions revolve around how these potentially disruptive changes will come about:What regulatory roadblocks will emerge?What role will tech companies play?Which of our companies will succeed or fail in addressing the coming wave of change?And which will be able to move quickly and adapt in such a rapidly changing technological landscape?I don't pretend to know all the answers to these questions. But rather than fear the disruption, I believe our industry really has no choice but to embrace it.I expect the global auto industry to see more changes in the next five years than it has in the last 20. And those changes will bring tremendous opportunities for those companies with the skills and foresight to seize them.Rather than fear tech companies' interest, I see this new competition as healthy for our industry. We have a lot to learn from them, and they have much to learn from us, which is quite clear considering all the automotive talent they have been hiring.With that said, here are some thoughts on what I see on our industry's long-term horizon.When I last spoke at the New York International Auto Show breakfast in 2012, our industry was still focused on whether electric vehicles were the future. Nissan had just introduced the LEAF a year earlier and we had sold 30,000 units.Since then, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is leading the industry with more than 300,000 EVs sold globally – not as much as we had expected, but certainly a healthy start.More significantly, today nearly every major automaker has ambitious projects underway for new EVs and other zero-emissions vehicles. It's clear EVs are here to stay.There are several reasons to be bullish about EV's future.To deal with the threat of climate change, the world is demanding that our industry invest more in zero-emissions transportation. Governments around the world are imposing stricter limits on CO2 emissions, and one major response has to be electrification.But beyond environmental regulation, EVs just make sense.We have already seen within Nissan and Renault how the cost of EVs continues to go down as their economies of scale begin to inch closer to those enjoyed by the internal combustion engine.EVs are also relatively simple machines: a battery and electric motors. They require far less service, no oil changes and they are extremely reliable.With battery technology improving and the charging infrastructure expanding in much of the world, we are nearing the turning point where EVs will become more of a mainstream option.There's been another important change since 2012. Then, no one was talking about Autonomous Drive vehicles.In January, I visited Nissan's Silicon Valley R&D offices in California. I spent considerable time driving around the streets of Sunnyvale – hands-free and with my eyes off the road. Autonomous Drive cars that can change lanes on their own, negotiate city streets and handle the drudgery of stop-and-go traffic are coming soon. In fact, the Renault-Nissan Alliance will launch at least 10 models with significant Autonomous Drive functionality by 2020. Those cars will be far more connected than those on the road today. They will be a much more personal space, an extension of ourselves – just as smartphones are today.And the EV is the perfect platform for the future of Autonomous Drive and connected vehicle technology, which will, in turn, help accelerate the adoption of EVs.The trend toward more connected cars is also critical to meet the expectations of our future buyers, those who are just getting their driver's licenses today.The benefits of highly connected, Autonomous Drive cars are clear: They hold the promise of making driving far safer, less stressful, more efficient and more rewarding. And as we did with our EVs, the Alliance will aim these future cars at the heart of the mass market. With each international auto show, more automakers are spelling out their visions and placing their bets on the future. And that's good.Yes, there's a lot at stake. Yes, there is a lot of uncertainty. But this is not a time for the conservative or the cautious.Because for those open to new ideas and new ways of doing things, the opportunities for our industry to grow and better serve society's needs has never been greater.The pending merger of new technologies and new business models means not only new business opportunities, but ultimately a more efficient and safer transportation system at a lower cost to society.Three forces – electrification, Autonomous Drive and connectivity – are about to change our industry in ways we are only beginning to imagine.To me, it feels like we're at the dawn of a new spring in the auto industry, and I'm excited to see how this new era unfolds.Watch Ghosn's complete address from the 2016 NYIAS below: # # #

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Nissan's Caruso heads to Tasmania in points lead in the Australian V8 Supercar Champi

by News Feeder, 17-02-2024, 10:18 PM

TASMANIA, Australia – Nissan Motorsport driver Michael Caruso heads to Tasmania's Symmons Plains Raceway this weekend with the points lead in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship.Three consistent performances across the 2 x 125km and 1 x 250km races at the opening round of the championship in Adelaide pushed Caruso into the championship lead.He backed up that performance with a another strong effort at the non-championship weekend at Albert Park in conjunction with the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix – completing the weekend with a fifth place finish.Caruso arrives in Tasmania as the point leader for the first time in his career. The last time a Nissan driver sat at the top of the championship point score was back in June 1992 when Mark Skaife was crowned champion at the completion of the final round at Oran Park in Sydney.This year is the 44th time an Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars Championship round has been held at Symmons Plains. Only Sandown Raceway in Melbourne has hosted the championship more times.Caruso and teammates Rick Kelly, Todd Kelly and Dale Wood will hit the track for the first time on Friday, April 1 for the first practice sessions.Qualifying sessions will be run on both Saturday and Sunday with the Nissan Altima squad doing battle over 50 laps on Saturday and 84 laps on Sunday.NISMO CalendarApril 2-3: V8 Supercars, Symmons Plains, Launceston, Tasmania, AustraliaApril 9-10: Super GT, Okayama, Japan Blancpain GT Sprint, Misano, ItalyApril 16-17: FIA WEC, Silverstone, England ELMS, Silverstone, England V8 Supercar, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia Pirelli World Challenge, Long Beach, California, USAApril 23-24 Blancpain GT Endurance, Monza, Italy Pirelli World Challenge, Barber Motorsports Park, Alabama, USA # # # ContactJane Johnstone Marketing Communications Director Global Motorsport Communications Nissan/NISMO Phone: +44 7979 710646 Email: [email protected] Ryan Marketing and PR Manager Phone: +1 678 644 0404 Email: [email protected]

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Nissan features 'Intelligent Mobility' at Auto China 2016

by News Feeder, 17-02-2024, 10:18 PM

Beijing, China – Nissan announced today that it will feature its latest premium sports sedan, Maxima, and the Nissan IDS (Intelligent Driving Solution) Concept, a fully operational autonomous drive vehicle, at Auto China 2016.Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (NCIC), in cooperation with Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV) and Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. (ZNA), will present a transformative mobility experience, where the relationship between car and driver will be enhanced by Nissan's "Intelligent Mobility" approach and advanced technologies. Further, the company is delivering a broad line-up of products to address the highly diversified needs and preferences of Chinese customers.Reinforcing Nissan's commitment to bring exciting, quality products to the Chinese market, its latest premium sport sedan, Maxima, will shine at Auto China this year. The premium sports sedan, unveiled in November 2015, offers sophisticated styling, high performance and pioneering technology. As well, Maxima has attracted wide attention and is highly anticipated by the young elites in China.Nissan MaximaMaxima sets a new segment standard and redefines the driver-road connection, enhances safety and has an interior design that matches luxury models. A hit in the U.S. market since its 2015 launch, Maxima is well-positioned to continue its success in China and strengthen DFL-PV's "Young Nissan" strategy.Additionally, sharing Chinese' strong preference for safety and in pursuit for zero emission and zero fatalities, Nissan will bring to China its latest concept vehicle that embodies Nissan's vision of the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs: the Nissan IDS Concept. The IDS Concept is the first autonomous driving concept unveiled by Nissan. It represents the company's promise to launch a range of mass market autonomous drive vehicles by 2020. China is among the early markets to have products equipped with autonomous drive technology.Nissan IDS ConceptThis year the Nissan press briefing will be held on April 25. Come to the Nissan booth in Hall W2 at the China International Exhibition Center for the latest products, answers to future mobility and more.Media Center and site information will be available online starting today at http://www.nissan.com.cn/media_center/au...ng/en.Look for the latest news to be uploaded regularly at this URL until the end of the exhibition. About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2014, the company sold more than 5.3 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.3 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's bestselling, all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: ASEAN & Oceana; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500, and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance since March 1999.About Nissan in ChinaNissan came to China in 1973, and the brand has developed rapidly in China since the 1990s. As the wholly owned subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. based in Beijing, Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (NCIC) manages Nissan’s investment in China together with the parent company. Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL) is a joint-venture between Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Under it, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV) mainly produces passenger vehicles, while Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. (ZNA) specializes in light commercial vehicles.In 2015, Nissan sold 1.25 million vehicles in China, including imported, passenger and light commercial vehicles.About Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV)Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV) is a business unit of DFL, Nissan's joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd. DFL-PV is engaged in research and development operations, manufacturing and distribution of passenger vehicles.About Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. (ZNA)Founded in 1993, Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. is one of the largest manufacturers of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in China. Through the Nissan and Dongfeng brands, ZNA markets five series and eight models. # # #

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Opinions about Drifter stitching?

by ZAIS200, 17-02-2024, 07:34 AM

Hi Guys,

I'd like to know your opinions and feelings about drifter stitching.
I have a small crack on my front bumper on the drivers side, just below the headlight, where the bumper wraps around to the fender (in the corner).

I'm considering the JDM way (drifter stitching) to "repair" it but want to no opinions before commiting to this radical and extreme measure the alternative is a fibreglass and paint job which is, let face it a lot more expensive then a pack of cable ties.

For those of you that don't know what drifter stitching is:
https://www.google.ie/search?q=drifter+s...AU4QsAQIGg

Thrillist, JackThreads and Honda Team Up to Create Exclusive HT3 Driving Shoe

by News Feeder, 17-02-2024, 05:27 AM

Thrillist, JackThreads and Honda have collaborated on an exclusive limited edition HT3 Driving Shoe (MSRP: $100) that goes on sale today, available exclusively on JackThreads.com. The sneaker is inspired by the dramatically redesigned, all-new 2016 Honda Civic, and pays tribute to the three core aspects of Honda design that influenced its sporty and dynamic styling – high touch, high tension and high tech. With the idea conceived by the team at Thrillist, the digital publisher tapped the s...

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Science Classes on "Seeing Invisible Power" Held at Konan Elementary School

by News Feeder, 17-02-2024, 04:48 AM

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ITB throttels on 1GFE

by Danis200, 17-02-2024, 04:35 AM

I've been searching if it's possible to get or put itb's on a
1gfe engine? Had somebody done it or try it before? I've seen itb kits on a 1jz-ge engine. To me it look the same,but can it be possible to put it on a 1gfe engine.

Model Mobility Community Established in Japan to Serve Aging Populations

by News Feeder, 16-02-2024, 05:23 AM

People today are living longer than ever before. As they age, getting around to accomplish everyday tasks like grocery shopping or visiting the doctor becomes more complicated. Mobility is not as simple as it once was.

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Nissan features ‘Intelligent Mobility’ at Auto China 2016

by News Feeder, 16-02-2024, 04:33 AM

Address the Chinese market with exciting products, autonomous drive concept, and surprise

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Executive Personnel Changes

by News Feeder, 15-02-2024, 09:27 PM

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