Core Insights - Nissan reported a net loss of 670.8 billion yen (approximately 32.6 billion RMB) for the fiscal year 2024, a significant drop from a profit of 426.6 billion yen in fiscal year 2023, highlighting challenges in its electric vehicle transition [2] - The company has initiated a recovery plan named "Re:Nissan," aiming to streamline platforms and supply chains while focusing on six core markets, with China identified as a critical battleground for revival [2][6] Financial Performance - The decline in performance is attributed to weak sales in major markets such as the US and China, alongside a 467 billion yen asset impairment loss due to poor capacity planning and market misjudgment [3] - Nissan's sales in China fell by 12.2% year-on-year in 2024, with a further decline of 29.5% in the first quarter of 2025 [6] Strategic Challenges - Nissan's slow response to the growing demand for hybrid vehicles in North America and its delayed electric vehicle strategy in China have led to a shrinking market share [3] - The company has faced increased operational risks due to its reliance on traditional fuel vehicles amid stringent emission regulations in Europe and the US [3] Technological and Collaborative Issues - Nissan's technological direction has been inconsistent, missing opportunities to capitalize on its early electric vehicle success with the Leaf [4] - A proposed merger with Honda aimed at creating a major automotive player collapsed due to disagreements over control and strategic direction [4] Operational Adjustments - The "Re:Nissan" plan includes closing seven factories and laying off 20,000 employees, reducing production capacity from 3.5 million to 2.5 million vehicles [5] - Nissan plans to invest 100 billion RMB in new energy research and development over the next three years, with a focus on localizing its R&D efforts in China [7] Market Positioning - The company is attempting to pivot its strategy in China by launching new models and reducing development cycles to 24 months, while also collaborating with local tech firms [6][7] - Despite these efforts, Nissan's production capacity in China has been reduced from 1.5 million to 1 million vehicles, raising concerns about potential idle capacity if new energy vehicles do not gain traction [7] Conclusion - Nissan's current predicament reflects the broader challenges faced by traditional automotive giants in adapting to the rapid shift towards electric and smart vehicles, emphasizing the need for speed and ecosystem collaboration over mere scale [8]
裁员2万人、关闭7家工厂，日产“Re：Nissan”计划能否重现戈恩时代辉煌？