Core Insights - Nissan reported a net loss of 670.8 billion yen (approximately 4.4 billion USD) for the fiscal year 2024, marking a significant decline from a profit of 426.6 billion yen in the previous year, representing a 257% drop [1] - The company announced a global workforce reduction of 20,000 employees, accounting for 15% of its total workforce, as part of its "Re:Nissan" restructuring plan aimed at achieving operational efficiency and strategic transformation [1][3] - Nissan's revenue forecast for fiscal year 2024 was revised down from 14 trillion yen to 12.7 trillion yen, with operating profit expectations plummeting from 500 billion yen to 150 billion yen, resulting in an operating profit margin of only 1.2% [1][2] Financial Performance - The company's free cash flow turned negative, with a reported -448.3 billion yen for the first half of fiscal year 2024, indicating significant liquidity pressure [1][2] - Nissan's global sales for fiscal year 2024 are projected to be 3.44 million units, a decline of 3.2% year-on-year, failing to meet expectations [2] - The company's debt due in 2024 amounts to 1.6 billion USD, increasing to 5.6 billion USD by 2026, the highest level since 1996 [2] Market Challenges - Nissan's sales in China decreased by 9.98% to 558,000 units in the first ten months of 2024, while U.S. sales fell by 3.1%, highlighting competitive weaknesses in key markets [2] - The company has struggled to gain traction in the electric vehicle market, with its new model ARIYA failing to achieve significant market penetration, while competitors like BYD have outperformed Nissan in sales [2][3] - Nissan's product lineup has not kept pace with market demands, particularly in the hybrid vehicle segment, leading to lost growth opportunities [2] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to cut 5 trillion yen in costs by reducing the number of global factories from 17 to 10 and simplifying its parts complexity by 70% [3] - Nissan aims to launch five new electric vehicle models in China by 2026 and is increasing collaboration with technology partners like Huawei and Momenta [3] - The restructuring plan is described as a "based action recovery plan," but analysts warn that delays could extend losses into fiscal year 2025 [3][4] Industry Context - Nissan's struggles reflect broader anxieties among traditional automakers in the face of the electric vehicle transition, raising questions about the effectiveness of its aggressive self-rescue measures [4] - The ability of Japanese automakers to collaborate effectively may be crucial in determining their competitive position in the evolving automotive landscape [4]