The rejigged plan will shift the company’s strategy from its past focus on inflated expansion and make it even more practical based on the evolving scenario.

As part of the four-year plan, Nissan will take decisive action to transform its business by streamlining unprofitable operations and surplus facilities, alongside structural reforms. The company will also reduce fixed costs by rationalizing its production capacity, global product range and expenses. Through disciplined management, the company will prioritize and invest in business areas expected to deliver a solid recovery and sustainable growth.

By implementing the plan, Nissan aims to achieve a 5% operating profit margin and a sustainable global market share of 6% by the end of fiscal year 2023, including proportionate contributions from its 50% equity joint venture in China.

Makoto Uchida, Nissan chief executive officer, said, “Our transformation plan aims to ensure steady growth instead of excessive sales expansion. We will now concentrate on our core competencies and enhancing the quality of our business, while maintaining financial discipline and focusing on net revenue per unit to achieve profitability. This coincides with the restoration of a culture defined by “Nissan-ness” for a new era.”

The four-year plan is focused on two strategic areas, building on Nissan’s reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, customer-focus and quality, alongside an ongoing cultural transformation. The first area is rationalization. Under this the company will take robust actions to restructure, reduce costs and improve efficiency. To achieve this objective the company is look at right-sizing Nissan’s production capacity by 20 percent to 5.4 million units a year under the assumption of a standard shift operation; achieving plant utilization rate above 80 percent, making operations more profitable; rationalize global product line-up by 20 percent (from 69 to fewer than 55 models); reduce fixed costs by approximately 300 billion yen. The company also intends to close Barcelona plant in Western Europe, consolidate North American production around core models and closure of manufacturing facility in Indonesia and concentrating on Thailand plant as single production base in ASEAN. In this the alliance partners to share resources, including production, models, and technologies.

The second strategic area is in prioritizing core markets and core products. To accomplish this goal the company will focus on Nissan’s core operations in the markets of Japan, China and North America; leveraging the Alliance assets to maintain Nissan’s business at appropriate operational level in South America, ASEAN and Europe; exiting South Korea, the Datsun business in Russia and streamlining operations in some markets in ASEAN. Focus on global core model segments including enhanced C and D segment vehicles, electric vehicles, sport cars. Introduce 12 models in the next 18 months. Expand presence in EVs and electric-motor-driven cars, including e-POWER, with more than one million electrified sales units expected a year by end of FY23. In Japan, it plans to launch two more electric vehicles and four more e-POWER vehicles, thereby increasing electrification ratio to 60 percent of sales. Introduce ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system in more than 20 models in 20 markets, targeting more than 1.5 million units to be equipped with this system per year by the end of FY23.

“Nissan must deliver value for customers around the world. To do this, we must make breakthroughs in the products, technologies and markets where we are competitive. This is Nissan’s DNA. In this new era, Nissan remains people-focused, to deliver technologies for all people and to continue addressing challenges as only Nissan can, Uchida said. (MT)

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German automotive luxury brand Mercedes-Benz has announced its plans to integrate customer activities from vehicle sales and financial services into one organisation at the end of the year. The move aims to enhance efficiency, leverage synergies and enable system harmonisation.

A key step in this transformation is the planned merger of Mercedes-Benz Mobility (MBM AG) into Mercedes-Benz on 31 December 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Core functions of the financial services business will remain under the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services unit to meet central regulatory requirements.

Furthermore, Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility, will leave the company on 31 December 2025, at his request. Reiner began his career at the former Daimler-Benz in 1992 and held management positions, including CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility since 2019.

Harald Wilhelm, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group, responsible for Finance & Controlling and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Mercedes-Benz Mobility, said, “With his visionary and value-driven leadership, Franz Reiner has shaped the development of Mercedes-Benz Mobility for more than three decades. As a true entrepreneur within the company, he combines an exceptional sense for customer needs with a strong commitment to our dealer network. Through his international experience, he has played a decisive role in advancing the success and sustainable growth of our financial services business, positioning the organisation for the future. We sincerely thank him for his outstanding dedication, integrity, and pioneering spirit, and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Peter Henn, currently President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA and Head of Mercedes-Benz Mobility North America, will assume global leadership of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services on 1st May 2026.

Until that date, Henn will continue to oversee the transformation in North America and support the relocation of the Financial Services organisation from Farmington Hills, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia.

Tolga Oktay, currently Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Controlling at Mercedes-Benz Mobility, will take interim responsibility for the Financial Services business, reporting to Harald Wilhelm.

Henn joined the company in 2007 and was appointed to the Board of Management of the former Daimler Financial Services in 2014, responsible for the Africa & Asia-Pacific region, before taking his current role.

Harald Wilhelm, added: “With Peter Henn, we are gaining an experienced and internationally minded leader to head Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Throughout his more than 25-year global career, Peter has consistently demonstrated his ability to guide teams successfully through major transformation phases and deliver strong business results – always with a clear focus on a strong company culture and the highest standards of integrity and compliance.”

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Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has added new trim and six-seater configurations for the Carens Clavis across multiple existing variants.

The Carens Clavis lineup now grows to eight trims with the addition of the new HTX(O) trim, priced at INR 1.92 million (ex-showroom). Positioned just above the HTX variant, the HTX(O) trim is exclusively available with the Smartstream G1.5 Turbo-GDi petrol engine and 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (7DCT).

The trim gets new premium features, such as – BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 Speakers. Drive Mode Select (Eco/Normal/Sport) (7DCT), Smart Key Remote Engine Start (7DCT), Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold (7DCT).

Furthermore, Kia has also introduced a six-seater configuration in the following trims:

• HTK+ (G1.5T 7DCT & D1.5 6AT)
• HTK+(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)
• HTX(O) (G1.5T 7DCT)

Atul Sood, Senior VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “Reinforcing our commitment to elevating the overall brand experience, we are happy to strengthen the Carens Clavis lineup and make every variant a compelling choice. Our customers inspire every innovation we make. And hence, with the lineup expansion we have not just introduced a new HTX(O) trim but also addressed their desire on adding the 6-seater variant options. With these additions, we wish more consumers enjoy the power of choice without compromising on their needs.”

The entire Carens Clavis lineup continues to offer high levels of safety and convenience, featuring Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features, Six Airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and Kia Connect as part of its core offering.

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Jeep India has introduced the Compass Track Edition, a limited-run special edition SUV based on the well-appointed Compass Model S trim. This new variant aims to offer customers an elevated and distinctive expression of style while maintaining the brand's core focus on capability and adventure. The prices of the Compass Track Edition start at INR 2.67 million for MT, INR 2.86 million for Track AT and INR 3.05 million for Track AT 4x4 variant.

Externally, the model features a signature hood decal, Piano Black detailing on the grille and badges and the exclusive Track Edition insignia. The look is completed by striking 18-inch diamond-cut Tech Grey alloy wheels and contrasting Spruce Beige highlights, giving the SUV a differentiated road presence.

The interior boasts luxurious upgrades, including all-new Tupelo Leatherette Seats with Spruce Beige contrast stitching, Dark Espresso Smoke Chrome finishes and a Cortina leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Compass Track Edition is powered by the proven 2.0L MultiJet II Turbo Diesel engine, which delivers 170 HP and 350 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed Manual Transmission or a 9-speed Automatic Transmission, with options for both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.

The special edition also includes an extensive safety suite with over 50 standard and available safety features, such as four-channel ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control and all-speed traction control.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “With the Compass Track Edition, we’re offering our customers an even more elevated SUV experience that reflects their individuality. Every detail has been carefully designed to create a sense of exclusivity, while staying rooted in Jeep’s DNA of capability, performance and adventure.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has unveiled the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition SUV.

The company said that the Fortuner now comes with ‘refreshed styling and premium enhancements’ to deliver a sportier and more dynamic aesthetic. The launch builds on the success of the 2024 Leader Edition.

The Fortuner gets a new grille design with front and rear bumper spoilers, chrome garnish and a distinctive hood emblem. It comes with glossy black alloy wheels and dual-tone roof in black.

On the inside, the cabin features black and maroon dual-tone seats and door trims, along with convenience additions such as auto-folding mirrors and illuminated scuff plates. Safety is bolstered by the inclusion of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The SUV is driven by Toyota’s 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 201bhp and 500 Nm of torque. It is available in 4x2 Automatic and Manual Transmission variants. The colour options include Attitude Black, Super White, Pearl White and Silver.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, our customers’ evolving lifestyle preferences inspire us to continually refresh and enhance our offerings. We are grateful for the strong acceptance and overwhelming response to the 2024 Fortuner Leader Edition, which has further strengthened the SUV’s legacy as an icon on Indian roads. Encouraged by this trust, we are delighted to introduce the 2025 Fortuner Leader Edition, an offering for those seeking a sportier, more dynamic SUV. We are confident that this refreshed edition will further delight our customers and reinforce Fortuner’s position as the benchmark in the premium SUV segment.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is offering comprehensive finance solutions for the new edition, including up to 8-year funding plans and extended warranty options.

Since its Indian debut 15 years ago, the Fortuner has sold over 300,000 units, establishing itself as a benchmark in the premium SUV segment.

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