15 Minutes with Carlos Ghosn

[AZhitman]

Nissan Insider interviews the CEO of the Renault Nissan Alliance... what do you think?

http://www.nissaninsider.co.uk/15-minut ... los-ghosn/

...better yet, what questions would YOU ask Mr. Ghosn?

[Hijacker]

Where's my new S chassis >:(

[Bubba1]

Where's my new S chassis >:(

I think I know what he'd say but

1.Nissan is jumping in with both feet into the electric car market, but has been careful to avoid discussing the very high cost to replace the rechargeable batteries when they wear out. Has Nissan given much thought as to how cost minded consumers will be able to afford those batteries when they go?

2. Why no manual transmission option on the GT-R? (Corvettes sell by the thousands with them).

3. Why the whosesale conversion to CVT?

[Encryptshun]

1. Rare-earth metals essential for production of low-carbon technologies such as neodymium, dysprosium, indium, tellurium, and gallium are at high risk of shortage. China controls 95% of the global supply of these metals and they are putting measures in place to protect against competition. What is Nissan's strategy to ensure supply risk is proactively addressed and costs are contained in the shadow of a global monopoly?

2. Is Nissans consumer strategy to move markets to fewer global models in order to leverage price and efficiency or to tailor products to the culture of local-country markets?

3. Nissan's vision is to "be the best". But be the best at what?

4. Are there plans to drive further differentiation between the Nissan and Infiniti brands? If so, in what regard?

[Dattebayo]

Damn, those are some good-as$ questions. I'm at a loss for what I'd want to say.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Where's the Q45?
Why is the new QX56 so ugly?
Does that designer still have a job?
Why?
Where's the redesigned Titan? I love that truck, but it's getting OLD.
Can we have a VK56 in the Xterra please? That'd be the only truck I'd ever need.


Non-d!ck "cars I want" stuff:

--Why has Nissan sucked so bad at the compact car segment for the last decade+ (Sentra)? What's not working there that can be improved? The Corolla and Civic are getting blander and blander every year, yet the Sentra STILL has trouble standing out. Surely something needs to be done differently. Why can't Nissan make a Mazda 3 killer? Even KIA's got an exciting little toad in the Forte. Pull out all the stops, Nissan, let's have another B13. You got the Versa right, now let's get the Sentra right.

--Where's the Maxima going? It seems increasingly directionless (and pointless). Once a big sporty beast, it has become a compromise between practicality and looking cool, with performance not fitting in anywhere. Worse than that, it's entirely redudant next to the roomier, equally powerful, and arguably nicer-looking Altima. Is there a point in sight for the car, or does anyone even know what they're doing with it anymore?

--Nissan's one of the few automakers left who still seem dedicated to the midsize truck/SUV segment. What are Nissan's future plans for the Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra? Are we going to see a worthwhile 4-cylinder in any of them again (the QR sucks, BTW, particularly as a followup to the KA24)? And on that same page, the car-purposed VQs have evolved steadily over the past several years. Does Nissan have any plans in mind to tech up the VQ40? The VK56 and VQ40 return almost identical fuel economy...it seems logical to either offer the V8 in everything or put some effort into making the big VQ sip a little more carefully.

--With FWD returning to the Infiniti brand, what's the chance we'll see a new I or compact-G(20) replacement? (I know there's a Mercedes A-class-based car coming up for Infiniti). Lexus seems to still stand by the old reliable ES for sales. Does Infiniti even need such a car with the G's success?

--Where IS the redesigned Titan? That truck is 7 years old. Everyone else has redesigned their trucks completely over the course of those 7 years. I love the Titan a lot, but in the half-ton pickup segment of ALL places, Nissan cannot afford to fall behind the curve.

[Encryptshun]

For what it's worth, the 2012 Xterra and Pathfinder mark the 8th year of the same vehicle.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Chris- I can answer a lot (if not all) of your questions about the trucks/SUVs.

Supposedly, the Ghosn is coming to my plant in January.

Are we going to see a worthwhile 4-cylinder in any of them again (the QR sucks, BTW, particularly as a followup to the KA24)? And on that same page, the car-purposed VQs have evolved steadily over the past several years. Does Nissan have any plans in mind to tech up the VQ40?

I somewhat know the answer to those questions already, but FFS, the QR has ALWAYS sucked. Can we abort it already?

[Eikon]

With Hyundai's successful Genesis Coupe and the upcoming Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ joint venture getting tons of hype, when will Nissan return to it's heritage and bring out an affordable rwd coupe to compete in this segment?

I will seriously quit being a Nissan fan soon if they don't bring out something that is fun to drive (the non-affordable GTR excluded).

[AZhitman]

Where's my new S chassis >:(

I think I know what he'd say but

1.Nissan is jumping in with both feet into the electric car market, but has been careful to avoid discussing the very high cost to replace the rechargeable batteries when they wear out. Has Nissan given much thought as to how cost minded consumers will be able to afford those batteries when they go?

2. Why no manual transmission option on the GT-R? (Corvettes sell by the thousands with them).

3. Why the whosesale conversion to CVT?

I can probably help with #1 and #2:

1) So far, I believe the Leaf battery pack is warrantied to 10 years. That's far beyond the average length of time most consumers keep a new car. For comparison, Honda warrantied the Insight batteries for 10 years, and I know a ton of people who are still on their OEM battery pack. At present, several aftermarket suppliers produce replacement battery packs for that car for $1000 - $2000.

2) Because it's inefficient and archaic. I can't explain much further than this: Go drive one. If the 'vette had the GTR's transmission technology, it'd whip the GTR handily.

3) I suspect it's a by-product of CAFE standards... I'm not pleased with the prevalence of the CVT in Nissan's lineup one bit (especially in "sporting" cars like the Maxima, and even the Juke. Not a good match.

Keep 'em coming - I have an idea for this thread....

[Bubba1]

I can probably help with #1 and #2:

1) So far, I believe the Leaf battery pack is warrantied to 10 years. That's far beyond the average length of time most consumers keep a new car. For comparison, Honda warrantied the Insight batteries for 10 years, and I know a ton of people who are still on their OEM battery pack. At present, several aftermarket suppliers produce replacement battery packs for that car for $1000 - $2000.

2) Because it's inefficient and archaic. I can't explain much further than this: Go drive one. If the 'vette had the GTR's transmission technology, it'd whip the GTR handily.

3) I suspect it's a by-product of CAFE standards... I'm not pleased with the prevalence of the CVT in Nissan's lineup one bit (especially in "sporting" cars like the Maxima, and even the Juke. Not a good match.

Keep 'em coming - I have an idea for this thread....

#2. I've been in one. I just don't like flappy paddles or excessive computer intervention, and the GT-R has both. I recognize the manual is slower, archaic and less efficient, but it's also less complex, less expensive, more reliable, and gives the driver more of a sense of involvement in the driving experience. I'm sure I'm not the only enthusiast new car buyer that would prefer to heel/toe with a manual than trim two seconds off a German track I'm not likely ever to drive by dinking my left hand. I'd probably own a GT-R if they offered a 6 speed manual.

[MinisterofDOOM]

2) Because it's inefficient and archaic.

Who cares? There's plenty of tech that's inefficient and archaic still in use because it works. Driving is not about lap times unless you're getting paid to race. Driving is about fun. Clutches are fun. Levers are fun. Nurburgring times don't mean crap when you're not at the Nurburgring.
Having fun in your car is what matters. Plenty of people thing clutches and levers are more fun. Ergo: offer a manual trans in the car and it will be successful.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Most of Nissan's engines are inefficient and archaic. Where the hell is all the direct injection? Oh yeah, over at the competitors. Nissan is hellbent on pursuing this whole dual injector idea. You get 20% of the results with 80% of the cost of Direct Injection. That's inverse of what the goal usually is.

No manual in the GTR means I'll never buy one.

[AZhitman]

Most of Nissan's engines are inefficient and archaic. Where the hell is all the direct injection? Oh yeah, over at the competitors. Nissan is hellbent on pursuing this whole dual injector idea. You get 20% of the results with 80% of the cost of Direct Injection. That's inverse of what the goal usually is.

Now, THAT I'll agree with 100%.

I've made no secret of my disdain for the new Frontier - How the HELL can you only squeeze 14/19 mpg out of the 4-liter?

Make no mistake - it's a great engine, and has loads of usable power... ours is a blast to drive with the 6MT. But c'mon, guys. 14/19mpg? Friggin' pathetic.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Right, and you basically HAVE to go with that engine, because no one in their right mind would buy anything QR25 related.

[Mr1der]

Most of Nissan's engines are inefficient and archaic. Where the hell is all the direct injection? Oh yeah, over at the competitors. Nissan is hellbent on pursuing this whole dual injector idea. You get 20% of the results with 80% of the cost of Direct Injection. That's inverse of what the goal usually is.

Now, THAT I'll agree with 100%.

I've made no secret of my disdain for the new Frontier - How the HELL can you only squeeze 14/19 mpg out of the 4-liter?

Make no mistake - it's a great engine, and has loads of usable power... ours is a blast to drive with the 6MT. But c'mon, guys. 14/19mpg? Friggin' pathetic.

that's pretty damn sad when a 2wd Chevy half ton with the 5.3 can knock down 20 on the interstate cruising 80 with 2 tons of supercharged fun being pulled behind it on a car dollie.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I honestly believe that American automakers (mainly GM, then ford. Chrysler, no) are the guys to beat when it comes to modern V8s.
The VK56 is pretty good, but damnit she's a fuel hog, and the engine's physical size is HUGE. That intake manifold is effin massive.

[MinisterofDOOM]

OHV still has it's benefits, and compactness is a big one.

[Bubba1]

OHV still has it's benefits, and compactness is a big one.

One model that I would love to pick Carlos' mind about is Nissan's self inflicted damage to the Maxima and how to save it. They grew the Altima in size in 2002 making it a bargain as compared to the similarly sized Max. The altima even came with am optional V6 "sporty" 6 speed SE version. Then, the Maxima received an odd looking facelift, got switched to a rather unsporty CVT transmission combined with its already unsporty FWD configuration, and got badly mismarketed as a "4 door sports car". Then Infiniti narrowed the gap between Nissan's top and Infiniti's bottom by offering a lower priced version of the popular similarly sized G sedan. The Maxima is a long revered model name but Nissan has been squeezing it out of its market by its own hand. I think there's a solution.

There is a market segment currently not served by Nissan: reasonably priced, FULL sized sedans, the old American standard. Toyota has penetrated that segment with their Avalon (essentially a stretched Camry). Ford has grown the Taurus, and Chrysler has had success with their 300 sedan. My question is would Nissan consider stretching the Maxima and attack that market? If they kept the price point as it is now, I think they can capture a nice share of the market (sell a lot more than they are now), without intruding on Altima or G25 sales.

[AZhitman]

Agreed.

Better yet? Make it RWD, add the VK and sell it to law enforcement agencies.

Crazy? Sure. But so is slowly starving out one of the cars that got you to a prominent position in America. Sure, the Altima is great - but the Maxima is an icon. It's sad to see what it's become... kinda like watching a retired prizefighter drooling in his oatmeal.

[nissangirl74]

Who cares? There's plenty of tech that's inefficient and archaic still in use because it works.

Nurburgring times don't mean crap when you're not at the Nurburgring.

QFMFT

I also want to know why in the world Nissan can no longer build a fuel efficient truck. I would absolutely love to have a Titan. However, the fuel costs can not be justified. also, as almost everyone has agreed upon, it is extremely dated. Time for a new look and more efficiency.

I don't think we need to pine for the days of the S-chassis because I'm pretty sure Nissan is never gonna bring it back. That's fine. Step it up a notch. Listen to what people want. Give us a RWD coupe platform and make it better than the S. There's a reason why people are willing to pay $10K and more for a 20+ year old coupe that cost $13K straight off the lot.
Scrap the god-forsaken Cross Cabriolet and sink that money into something people actually want to drive.

[Kompresshun]

It really is a shame to see what the Maxima has become, because I see no good reason to not buy a V6 Altima instead beyond 2003. Honestly though, i'd rather just have a 5.5gen Maxima than waste to money on either, which should speak volumes. In my opinion, Nissan let the soul of the Maxima die after 2003. The 6th gen still had some of the soul, but the looks went downhill at that point and it never got any better, THEN they put that godawful CVT in it too. They need to do something serious to shake up the Maxima and I agree with Greg - why not do something crazy? There isn't much they can do to make it better than the Altima, in it's current form at least. It needs more power and trying to push more out of a FWD is probably not going to be very promising, so why not go AWD, or at least offer an option with it? Offer the entry level models with the V6 FWD and then offer an AWD version that's supercharged or turbocharged. Have it lay down 300+ HP and call it a day. Whatever it be, they need to do something, because the Maxima isn't even on my radar anymore for a vehicle. I can think of numerous vehicles from competitors that i'd MUCH rather have and can spend less money on too.

I don't understand why more vehicles aren't offered with manuals anymore either. Especially with as hard as they've been pushing the CVT. I'd love to buy a Sentra with a manual transmission, but I have to buy the SE-R Spec V before it's even an option. Maximas were a blast with a manual transmission too. I don't give a crap if they've archaic, because they make a car enjoyable to drive to a real enthusiast and I don't mind paddle shifters or even a manual mode, but it still removes the driver from the driving experience and I don't care for that. I don't want precise and perfect, I want to shift gears and have fun. I haven't driven on a race track a single time in my life and I don't ever plan on competing professionally, but even if I did, why in the heck would a buy a brand new GT-R to go compete in? Sure, it's an amazing car, but it would take me a long time to be able to fully appreciate what I will do, even if I could afford one.

I didn't realize the trucks got that bad of a fuel mileage too. My Jeep Commander is automatic, full-time 4WD, and seats 7 people but it still manages 15-16mpg in the city and 19-20mpg on the highway. I was shocked that it actually gets better fuel mileage than our old QX4 did, which was a lot smaller, had a smaller engine, and wasn't full-time 4WD.

I'm fine if Nissan wants to jump in with both feet with electric vehicles, but they need to focus on the rest of their brand too, because people like me aren't going to be buying something electric anytime soon. Electric vehicles have a long way to come before they're a viable option and there's nothing that will convince me that it will be anytime soon. I have said and will say again - The electric car is not the future, but a mere stepping stone on the way. Batteries suck and they will always suck.