Content provided in partnership with

Automotive Industry

Quotes from Carlos

Automotive Design & Production, July, 2003 by Christopher A. Sawyer

In a recent issue of Britain's Car magazine, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was referred to as the $10 billion man." That's what the analysts interviewed for the story estimated what they termed the auto industry's only bona fide 'rock star' would add to a car company's stock valuation should he ever switch allegiances. We recently collected some of his pearls of wisdom, presented in remarks at the opening of Nissan's Canton. Mississippi, assembly plant. According to our calculations, they should be worth at least a few million dollars apiece, not including the money to be made on T-shirt sales.

* "We don't think the market belongs to anybody. You earn your share each year with attractive, competitive products."

Most Popular Articles in Autos: Service Slants; 2007 utility vehicle buyer's guide: Side-By-Sides are popular; here's who ...; Transmission considerations: beyond the manual gearbox; Buell Motorcycle engineering, innovation, & dedication: in an industry ...; 100 + 10: America's oldest automotive magazine celebrates its 110th year ...; More »

* "Incentives are not strategy, they are tactics. Defensive measures."

* "We can compete in the full-size truck market because we know there are unmet needs. And we didn't have to scratch our heads for a long time to find them."

* "Nissan will not trade long-term benefits for short-term relief."

* "When we say we will deliver one million more sales under our growth plan, we mean growth that's authentic, not based on giving away cars."

* "New customers will be attracted to Nissan if we make better products. Whose hide that market share comes from, I don't care."

* "Competition isn't about moving the metal. It's about the dream, and providing a product with real value."

* "Vehicles must be attractive in practical and emotional terms. This is more difficult to do, but we believe it's more sustainable."

* "Nissan is not looking outside its core business now that it's making money. The end comes very, very fast for a company when that happens. And there are plenty of opportunities within our core business."

* "When you start to blame others for your shortfalls, you are in trouble."

* "I'm happy when competition is strong. It gives us more opportunity to improve our operations and products."

* "A 'marketing plan' is an oxymoron. You have marketing plans, and continually adjust to what the competition is doing and what works--or doesn't--for you."

Automotive Industry

Quotes from Carlos

Automotive Design & Production, July, 2003 by Christopher A. Sawyer

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Sports

Most Popular Articles in Autos

Most Popular Publications in Autos