Core Insights - Nissan is celebrating its 40th anniversary in China, marking a significant milestone in its market presence and strategic evolution [1][3] - The company is launching its first plug-in hybrid sedan, the N6, and the Tianlai with Harmony OS cockpit, indicating a shift towards electrification and advanced technology [1][10] - Nissan's CEO emphasizes the importance of the Chinese market in the global strategy, highlighting the need for a transformation to adapt to the rapidly changing automotive landscape [4][6] Market Position and Historical Context - Nissan has been a pioneer in the Chinese market since establishing its office in Beijing in 1985, with significant partnerships leading to the formation of joint ventures [3] - The company has served over 19 million users in China, with models like the Sylphy and X-Trail being popular choices among consumers [3] - Despite reaching a peak sales volume of 1.13 million units in 2020, Nissan has faced declining sales since 2022 due to the rise of domestic electric vehicle brands [3][4] Strategic Initiatives - The "Re:Nissan" global revival plan was introduced to enhance core strengths and re-energize the brand, with a focus on the Chinese market as a key component of this strategy [4][6] - Nissan China has gained greater autonomy in product development, supply chain management, and market strategies, allowing for a more localized approach [7][9] - The company plans to launch 10 new energy models by summer 2027, expanding its product range to include various powertrain options [9][10] New Product Launches - The N6 and Tianlai with Harmony OS cockpit are part of Nissan's strategic upgrade in China, showcasing new technology and design [10] - The Frontier Pro, a pickup designed and developed in China, represents a new phase of global standards defined by local innovation [10] - Nissan's new LCV R&D center in Zhengzhou signifies a commitment to enhancing its product offerings and capabilities in the commercial vehicle segment [10] Brand Transformation - Nissan is focusing on a younger, more innovative brand image, engaging with younger consumers and adapting to their preferences [12][13] - The company's leadership believes that its long-standing reputation for reliability and quality will continue to resonate with consumers despite market changes [15] - A diverse team combining local and global talent is seen as a core competitive advantage in executing the new "Glocal" strategy [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - Nissan is facing significant operational challenges, leading to a large-scale layoff of 20,000 employees, approximately 15% of its workforce, primarily due to a drastic decline in sales in the Chinese market, which fell by 12.2% in fiscal year 2024, totaling around 690,000 units sold [1][3][5]. Group 1: Sales Performance - Nissan's sales in China have been declining for six consecutive years, with a notable drop from approximately 1.38 million units in 2021 to 1.045 million in 2022 (down 22.1%), further decreasing to 793,000 in 2023 (down 24.2%), and reaching only 696,000 in 2024 (down 12.2%) [3][4][5]. - The company's market share in China has decreased from around 6% a few years ago to less than 4% in 2023, while the overall passenger vehicle market grew by 5.6% to 21.7 million units [6][3]. Group 2: Internal Challenges - The decline in Nissan's performance is attributed to slow decision-making and strategic missteps by the management team following Carlos Ghosn's departure, leading to a lack of innovation and product development [2][9][10]. - Nissan's product lineup is heavily reliant on an aging model, the Sylphy sedan, with over 99% of its sales still coming from traditional fuel vehicles, indicating a significant delay in the transition to electric vehicles [6][10][11]. - The company has faced internal turmoil, including management instability and governance issues, which have hindered its ability to respond effectively to market changes [12][13]. Group 3: Market Environment - The Chinese automotive market is undergoing a significant shift towards electrification, with local brands capturing over 90% of the new energy vehicle market share, while Nissan's presence in this segment remains minimal [14][15]. - In 2023, the sales of new energy vehicles in China reached 7.748 million units, growing by 36.5%, while Nissan's electric vehicle offerings have been limited, resulting in negligible sales impact [14][15]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, with local brands like BYD achieving substantial sales growth, further pressuring Nissan's market position [15][16]. Group 4: Future Strategies - Nissan is at a crossroads, facing potential outcomes of gradual exit, decisive transformation, or a struggle for resurgence in the Chinese market [18][19]. - The company has announced plans to invest 10 billion RMB in China and aims to launch 10 new models by 2027, indicating a commitment to revitalizing its product offerings [20][21]. - To regain market share, Nissan may need to adopt aggressive pricing and service strategies, balancing short-term profitability with long-term brand recovery [22][21].