Nissan Announces Leadership Change Amid Collapse of Honda Merger Talks

Nissan has announced a significant leadership change as CEO Makoto Uchida steps down, with Ivan Espinosa, the current chief planning officer, set to take over on April 1, 2025. This transition follows a period of disappointing sales and the collapse of merger talks with Honda, which had aimed to integrate their businesses. Uchida's leadership faced scrutiny after a decline in performance and failed negotiations, as he resisted proposals that would have reduced Nissan to a subsidiary. Espinosa, who has been with Nissan since 2003, aims to revitalize the brand and prioritize product development, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. The company's restructuring plan includes job cuts and the closure of certain plants, while emphasizing a renewed management team to navigate current challenges. Analysts suggest that this change in leadership could signal a new direction for Nissan amidst ongoing industry pressures.