Former Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn has claimed he is the only person capable of rescuing the struggling automaker once again, reigniting debate about the company’s future as frustrated shareholders search for answers.
The comments came after Nissan’s latest annual shareholder meeting, where some investors floated a proposal to bring back the former executive. The company’s board rejected the idea, but the discussion highlighted growing concerns about Nissan’s direction.
“There is an emergency in Nissan, and tough decisions have to be made,” Ghosn told Reuters. “If there is one person or one profile today who can make it happen, it’s mine.”
The statement reflects the confidence of a leader who helped revive Nissan after joining the company in 1999. Known as “Le Cost Killer,” Ghosn earned global recognition for cutting costs and restructuring operations at a time when the automaker was struggling financially.
Nissan’s new challenge: EVs and software
Industry observers say Nissan’s problems today are very different from those it faced more than two decades ago.
In the late 1990s, Nissan was battling debt, excess factory capacity, and inefficient operations. Those issues were largely addressed during Ghosn’s tenure.
Today, the challenge revolves around Electric Vehicle (EV) development, Automotive Software Ecosystems, supply-chain resilience, and competition from fast-moving Chinese automakers.
Success now depends on securing Battery Materials, gaining access to critical Semiconductors, and investing heavily in technology platforms that can compete globally.
Experts note that software development and vehicle technology require long-term investment rather than the cost-cutting measures that defined Nissan’s earlier turnaround.
Leadership Questions Continue
The debate comes as Nissan faces pressure to strengthen its product lineup and establish a stronger presence in the entry-level EV market.
Critics of a potential Ghosn return argue that the automotive industry has fundamentally changed since his departure. They say the company needs innovation, faster product development, and a clear global strategy more than another round of restructuring.
Meanwhile, Ghosn remains an international fugitive living in Lebanon, limiting the practical possibility of any leadership comeback.
Read also: Carlos Ghosn: The rise, fall and escape of the man who once saved Nissan
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