Nissan is on the brink of collapse. Things aren't looking good at Nissan from our perspective either. Executives said the company has "12 to 14 months to survive." Dealers are selling cars at a loss, production has slowed, and more recently, the company cut thousands of jobs and sold a third of its stake in Mitsubishi. But it all may have been too little too late.
Nissan cut more than 9,000 jobs earlier this month, while simultaneously slashing production by nearly 20%. Nissan's operating profit dropped 85% in Q3. On November 7th, the company posted a plunge of over 90 percent in consolidated operating profit for the six months ending in September, compared with the same period last year, due mainly to its sluggish vehicle sales in North America. Nissan is on the brink of collapse from all views. The company only has the next 12 to 14 months if significant changes are not made immediately.
Nissan has experienced declining sales in key markets like the U.S. and Japan, increased competition in China, and an 85% drop in third-quarter profits.
This has led to substantial job cuts and production reductions as part of a large-scale restructuring effort to save $3 billion.
Additionally, Renault, which has been a major shareholder, is looking to offload its interest in Nissan, adding to the uncertainty.
Backing up this statement, a new report from the Financial Time suggests that the automaker's days are numbered. Nissan executives said, "This is going to be tough. And in the end, we need Japan and the US to be generating cash," they said. However, consumer are not buying their products.
The company is reportedly looking for a new long-term investor, such as a bank or large insurance group, to replace some of Renault's equity holdings. The company also hasn't ruled out the possibility of longtime rival Honda taking a majority stake in the company, saying "all options" are on the table. Nissan recently signed a partnership with Honda and Mitsubishi for long-term EV development.
Renault is even considering selling a portion of its shares to Honda. The French automaker is reportedly looking to restructure its 25-year alliance with Nissan. An unnamed source within the company says that a larger Honda-Nissan partnership would "only be positive" for the French automaker.
Slow sales in the U.S. and Japan prompted Nissan to cut more than 9,000 jobs earlier this month, while simultaneously slashing production by nearly 20 percent. Nissan's operating profit dropped 85 percent in the third quarter, with the company earning a net loss of 9.3 billion Yen ($60.1 million at today's exchange rate). The company estimates it will save $3 billion by cutting jobs and production as it attempts to restructure.
The Japanese automaker will cut production at its plant in Canton, Mississippi, that makes the Frontier pickup truck and others, and at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, where the Pathfinder SUV and others are assembled. Nissan has unveiled plans to cut its global vehicle production by 20 percent in response to its deteriorating profitability.
From my perspective, the horrible attack on their CEO Carlos Ghosn cost the company credibility on the global stage and made the Japanese car company look like a criminal mob in the way they handled the unhappiness with the CEO.
The product is improving but the challenges for the brand are far from over. A merger with a brand like Honda may be a good business move. Japanese companies working together to build better cars will make their stock holders and customers happy. It would be a shame to see Nissan disappear, but in today’s economy and the increase in Chinese cars we may see some consolidation and other brands disappear as well.
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Lauren Fix, The Car Coach is a nationally recognized automotive expert, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and safety issues for both the auto industry and consumers. Her analysis is honest and straightforward.