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Nissan Confirms Big Truck Coming To United States

20 April 2000

Nissan Confirms Big Truck Coming To United States

    NEW YORK, April 19 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will develop a
full-size truck for the U.S. market as part of its worldwide product
resurgence, Nissan Chief Operating Officer Carlos Ghosn said today.
    The truck is the latest evidence of Nissan's product comeback, which is at
the core of the Nissan Revival Plan announced in October 1999.
    Ghosn, speaking at the International Motor Press Association breakfast
kicking off press preview days at the New York International Auto Show, said
the decision was driven by his commitment that Nissan will compete in all
significant segments of the U.S. market.
    The truck will have a V-8 engine, Ghosn said, but further details of the
truck and its specific launch date were not revealed.
    "Twenty-two all-new products, not counting variations or derivatives, are
in the development pipeline worldwide now," Ghosn said.  "Ten of them,
including the new big truck, are destined for the United States."
    To cope with expected increases in sales volumes, Ghosn said worldwide
production will increase an estimated 9 percent, or 106,000 vehicles, during
the first half of the current fiscal year compared with last year.  The
increase will be driven primarily by trucks in the United States; Sentra in
Mexico; and Tino and Almera in Europe.

    Ghosn also said the NRP is progressing on schedule.  For example:
    -- Purchasing: Ghosn said he was confident that Nissan will meets its goal
       of cutting purchasing costs by 8 percent this year on the way to an
       overall 20 percent reduction by April 2003.
    -- Asset sales: The disposal of non-core assets has begun.  Earlier this
       month, Nissan sold its 4 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries,
       resulting in cash proceeds of about $190 million and a capital gain of
       nearly $67 million.
    -- Organization: Management committees have been established in North
       America and Europe and have been given increased power and
       corresponding accountability.
    -- Japan market: Nissan has closed 126 sales outlets, and is half way
       toward is goal of reducing the number of dealer affiliates.

    "Our primary target is clear, we must show a net profit in this fiscal
year," Ghosn said.  "We are on track to hit our targets."
    In North America, Nissan's operations include styling, engineering,
consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and
manufacturing.  Nissan in North America, which includes employees and
facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, generates more than
90,000 jobs, approximately 20,000 directly and over 71,000 through
approximately 1,500 Nissan and Infiniti retailers across the continent.  More
information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and
Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissandriven.com .