Core Insights - Nissan's global sales in July 2025 exceeded the previous year's performance for the first time in 16 months, with a year-on-year increase of 1%, reaching 262,745 units [2] - The launch of the electric vehicle "N7" in China has significantly boosted sales, contributing to a 22% year-on-year increase in sales, totaling 57,359 units [4] - Despite improvements in sales performance, the domestic market in Japan and Europe remains sluggish, with Japan experiencing a 19% decline, the largest among the eight major Japanese automakers [4] Regional Performance - China has played a crucial role in driving sales growth, with a notable 22% increase [4] - North America saw a 4% increase in sales, totaling 107,929 units, despite a decline in the U.S. market [4] - Japan's domestic sales have decreased by 19%, indicating ongoing challenges in the local market [4] Future Outlook - Nissan plans to undertake a comprehensive improvement of the EV "LEAF" (known as "聆风" in China) for the first time in eight years, which is seen as a critical factor for reversing the current sales decline [4]

Core Points - Japan's manufacturing sector has experienced a significant decline in profits due to the impact of U.S. tariff policies, with overall regular profits dropping by 11.5% year-on-year for two consecutive quarters [1][4][7] - The non-manufacturing sector, particularly in tourism and services, has shown resilience with a profit increase of 6.6% compared to the previous year [3][4] Manufacturing Sector Impact - The manufacturing sector's regular profits fell sharply, particularly in the transportation machinery sector, which includes the automotive industry, with a decline of 29.7% [4][7] - Other affected industries include steel, which saw a profit drop of 48.2%, and metal products, which experienced a 36.6% decrease [4][7] - The overall regular profit for the manufacturing sector was recorded at 35.8338 trillion yen, marking a historical high for the quarter, but the decline in specific sectors overshadowed this achievement [3][4] Tariff Effects - U.S. tariffs imposed on imported automobiles and key components have significantly impacted Japanese exports, with tariffs on passenger cars rising from 2.5% to 27.5% [7][9] - The steel industry faced additional challenges as U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum products increased from 25% to 50%, leading to losses in the Japanese steel sector [7][8] - In July, Japan's exports to the U.S. fell by 10.1% year-on-year, with automotive exports specifically declining by 28.4% [8][9] Company-Specific Impacts - Major Japanese automakers reported substantial profit losses due to U.S. tariffs, with Honda's net profit plummeting by 50.2% in the latest quarter [11] - Toyota estimated a loss of 450 billion yen in operating profit due to tariffs, with an expected total loss of 1.4 trillion yen for the fiscal year [11] - Other automakers, including Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Mitsubishi, also reported significant losses, prompting them to revise their profit forecasts downward [11]

Core Viewpoint - Japanese automakers, including Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, are significantly expanding their product lines, particularly focusing on hybrid and electric vehicles in response to market demands and competitive pressures [1][3][20]. Group 1: Honda's Strategy - Honda is launching the Prelude model, its first hybrid vehicle in 25 years, aiming to showcase a new interpretation of driving pleasure [3]. - The company is also introducing its 0 series electric vehicle prototypes, with plans for a crossover and sedan to debut next year [5]. - Acura, Honda's luxury brand, plans to add hybrid models, with speculation that popular models like the RDX may be among the first to feature hybrid technology [8]. Group 2: Nissan's Plans - Nissan is set to introduce multiple hybrid models, including the Rogue and Pathfinder, to counter declining sales in key markets [10][12]. - The company aims to deliver nearly 20 new and upgraded models to the U.S. and Canada by spring 2027, with 90% of these models featuring electric versions [10]. - Nissan's strategy includes offering various powertrain options for its main products, adapting to market needs [12]. Group 3: Mitsubishi's Aggressive Expansion - Mitsubishi plans to double its product lineup in the U.S. by early 2031 and will convert four existing models to include hybrid and electric options [15]. - The company will share Nissan's CMF-EV platform and introduce a compact electric crossover and a sporty passenger vehicle in the next decade [15]. - Mitsubishi's immediate plans include launching a hybrid version of the Outlander in 2026 and a new off-road hybrid model by the end of next year [17]. Group 4: Market Trends and Challenges - The global market for electric and hybrid vehicles is projected to grow significantly, with a 25% increase in new sales expected by 2025 [17]. - Japanese automakers have been slow to adapt to the electric vehicle trend, resulting in a market share of only 1.56% for Japanese electric vehicles compared to the global average [19]. - The shift towards hybrid technology is seen as a necessary step for Japanese automakers to remain competitive amid changing market dynamics and consumer preferences [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the decline of traditional Japanese automotive brands, exemplified by the discontinuation of Nissan's GT-R, while emphasizing the rapid growth and dominance of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in the market [6][9][17]. Group 1: Decline of Traditional Brands - Nissan's GT-R, a legendary model, has officially ceased production after 18 years, marking the end of an era for traditional high-performance gasoline vehicles [11][12]. - The decline in performance and sales of Japanese automakers is evident, with Nissan reporting a net loss of 115.76 billion yen and a 10% drop in global sales [12][16]. - Other Japanese brands like Mitsubishi and Subaru have also faced similar fates, with iconic models being discontinued due to the shift towards electric vehicles [13][16]. Group 2: Rise of Chinese Electric Vehicles - In contrast, China's new energy vehicle sales surged by 35.5% year-on-year, reaching 12.866 million units, maintaining its position as the world's largest market for ten consecutive years [8][9]. - Chinese brands accounted for 68.6% of passenger car sales in the first seven months of 2025, with a notable increase in domestic sales [8][17]. - Companies like BYD and Leap Motor have reported significant growth in sales, with BYD selling 373,600 vehicles in August alone, marking a 146.4% increase year-on-year [18][20]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The automotive market is undergoing a significant transformation, with traditional gasoline vehicles losing ground to electric and smart vehicles, leading to a "mid-life crisis" for many established brands [17][18]. - The shift towards electric vehicles is not just a trend but a necessity for survival, as companies like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz pivot their strategies to adapt to the new market realities [18]. - The competition among new energy vehicle manufacturers is intensifying, with a focus on product quality and profitability rather than merely increasing production [24][28].

Core Viewpoint - The discontinuation of the Nissan GT-R marks the end of an era for traditional high-performance gasoline vehicles, highlighting the shift towards electric vehicles and the challenges faced by Japanese automakers in the current market landscape [5][10][18]. Group 1: Nissan GT-R and Its Legacy - The last Nissan GT-R rolled off the production line after 18 years, symbolizing the end of a legendary model that achieved significant acclaim in motorsports and popular culture [5][14]. - The GT-R, known as the "East Japan War God," had a production volume of nearly 48,000 units, showcasing its popularity and performance over its lifespan [18]. - The discontinuation of the GT-R reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, where traditional gasoline vehicles are being overshadowed by the rise of electric vehicles [7][10][18]. Group 2: Chinese Automotive Market Growth - In contrast to the decline of traditional Japanese automakers, China's new energy vehicle sales grew by 35.5% year-on-year, reaching 12.866 million units, maintaining its position as the world's largest market for ten consecutive years [9]. - From January to July 2025, sales of Chinese brand passenger cars reached 10.873 million units, a 24.4% increase, with a market share of 68.6% [9]. - The rapid growth of domestic brands in China indicates a significant shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics, as traditional Japanese brands struggle to maintain their foothold [22][24]. Group 3: Challenges for Japanese Automakers - Japanese automakers, including Nissan, are facing severe financial difficulties, with Nissan reporting a net loss of 115.76 billion yen and a 10% decline in global sales [21][23]. - The overall profitability of Japanese car manufacturers is declining, with projections indicating a loss of approximately 2.7 trillion yen for the fiscal year 2025 [21]. - The shift towards electric vehicles and the inability to adapt quickly enough to market changes have led to a "mid-life crisis" for Japanese brands, as they lose market share to more agile domestic competitors [24][22]. Group 4: The Future of the Automotive Industry - The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a focus on technology and ecosystem development as key strategies for survival [26]. - The rise of new energy vehicles is prompting traditional manufacturers to reconsider their strategies, as evidenced by the recent shifts in direction from companies like Volvo, Mercedes, and Audi [27][28]. - The competition in the electric vehicle sector is intensifying, with new entrants focusing on quality and profitability rather than merely scaling production [34][33].

Core Viewpoint - Nissan is facing significant financial difficulties, being the only Japanese automaker among the top three to report losses, with a net loss of 115.7 billion yen (approximately 5.6 billion RMB) in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, marking four consecutive quarters of losses [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 (April 1 to June 30), Nissan's net sales decreased to 2.706 trillion yen from 2.998 trillion yen in the previous year, while gross profit fell to 236.4 billion yen from 401.3 billion yen [4]. - The company reported an operating loss of 79.1 billion yen, compared to an operating income of 65.1 billion yen in the prior year [4]. - Non-operating income also declined significantly, dropping to 39.1 billion yen from 139.8 billion yen [4]. Market Challenges - The U.S. tariffs on Japanese automobiles, which remain as high as 27.5%, have severely impacted Nissan's performance, with an estimated loss of 68.7 billion yen attributed to these tariffs [5][7]. - In the first half of 2023, Nissan's sales in China fell by approximately 17.6%, reflecting a broader trend of declining market share as domestic brands gain prominence [8][14]. Competitive Landscape - The rise of domestic electric vehicle brands in China has eroded Nissan's traditional advantages of durability, fuel efficiency, and resale value, leading to a significant drop in sales [14]. - Nissan has fallen out of the top ten in global new car sales for the first time, overtaken by competitors including Chinese brands like BYD and Geely [9][10]. Strategic Responses - In response to its financial struggles, Nissan has initiated a revival plan called "Re:Nissan," aiming to cut costs by 500 billion yen through global layoffs and factory closures [15][16]. - The company is also focusing on reviving its presence in the Chinese market by launching new models, such as the N7, which achieved sales of over 6,000 units in June and July [18]. However, reliance on a single model is deemed insufficient for a sustainable turnaround [18].

Core Viewpoint - The Nissan R35 GT-R, a legendary sports car with an 18-year lifespan, has officially ceased production due to rising development costs driven by stricter environmental and safety regulations [1][6][7]. Group 1: Historical Significance of GT-R - The GT-R series, originating from the Prince Motor Company in the mid-20th century, has a rich history, with the first GT-R model debuting in 1969 and achieving significant racing success [3][4]. - The R35 GT-R, launched in 2007, has seen production of approximately 48,000 units, with over 17,000 sold in Japan [4][6]. Group 2: Rising Costs and Market Challenges - The development costs for the R35 GT-R have nearly doubled, with the base model's price increasing from 7.77 million yen to 14.44 million yen due to regulatory changes [6][9]. - Nissan is currently undergoing a restructuring phase, facing a net loss of 115.7 billion yen for the April-June 2025 quarter and a total loss of 670.9 billion yen for the 2024 fiscal year [9][10]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Future Outlook - The automotive industry is experiencing a challenging environment for sports car development, with several manufacturers, including Mitsubishi and Subaru, also halting production of their performance models [10]. - Nissan's leadership is focused on cost reduction and improving product competitiveness, with plans to cut 500 billion yen in costs by the 2026 fiscal year [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the differences in succession practices between Japanese and Chinese family businesses, highlighting Japan's unique approach to inheritance and the cultural significance of family legacy in business continuity [6][29]. Group 1: Japanese Succession Practices - In Japan, succession is viewed as an obligation rather than a choice, with discussions focused on "who will succeed" rather than "whether to succeed" [6][14]. - The concept of "muko-iyashi" (婿养子) allows sons-in-law to inherit family businesses, integrating them into the family and ensuring continuity [16][22]. - Approximately 97% of Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises are family-owned, with about 66% being family-operated [13]. Group 2: Examples of Successful Succession - Toyota is a prime example of successful family succession, with multiple generations of the Toyota family and external leaders contributing to its growth [7][8]. - Nintendo's succession involved a son-in-law taking over, demonstrating the effectiveness of the muko-iyashi system in maintaining business stability [20]. - Companies like Uniqlo and Japan's largest courier service, Yamato Transport, have also seen successful transitions through family or external leadership [10][11]. Group 3: Cultural Factors Influencing Succession - Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on family legacy, with societal expectations for heirs to take over family businesses [28][29]. - The long-standing tradition of prioritizing family names and businesses contributes to a stable environment for succession [26][30]. - The average lifespan of Japanese companies is longer, making succession meaningful and culturally significant [29]. Group 4: Challenges and Considerations - While Japan has a robust succession framework, challenges such as internal conflicts and the need for modernization can arise [10][11]. - The article notes that Japan has fewer high-profile failures in succession compared to other countries, indicating a generally stable transition process [8][13]. - The high inheritance tax in Japan is mitigated by special provisions for business succession, encouraging continuity [29].

Core Viewpoint - Nissan's global sales in July reached 262,745 units, marking a 1% year-on-year increase, with significant growth in the Chinese market contributing to this performance [2][4]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In July, Nissan's sales in China grew by 22%, totaling 57,359 units, which helped offset declines in Japan and Europe [2][4]. - The launch of the pure electric sedan "N7" in China in late April has been a strong performer, compensating for the downturn in other markets [2][4]. - Despite a decline in U.S. sales, North America overall saw a 4% increase, reaching 107,929 units [4]. Group 2: Market Challenges - Japan's domestic sales fell by 19%, the largest drop among eight major automakers in the country [4]. - The overall production of Japan's eight major passenger car companies decreased by 2% year-on-year, totaling 1,978,949 units in July [4]. - Mazda experienced the largest decline, with a 23% drop in production, falling to 86,551 units, and a significant 28% decrease in domestic production [4].

Core Insights - Nissan has officially ceased production of the R35 GT-R model, marking a significant shift in the era of traditional high-performance gasoline vehicles [2] - The last R35 GT-R was produced at Nissan's Tochigi plant in Japan, with CEO Ivan Espinosa indicating that the GT-R may return in an evolved form in the future [2] - The R35 GT-R, which began production in 2007, has a total production volume of approximately 48,000 units over its 18-year lifespan and set a record with a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 29.03 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world [2] Financial Context - Nissan is currently in the early stages of a turnaround plan, with an expected operating loss of 180 billion yen during the period from April to September [2]