Nissan and Honda may have officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a merger, but former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn isn’t so optimistic about the deal, telling Bloomberg in an interview that “it’s a desperate move. It’s not a pragmatic deal because frankly, the synergies between the two companies are difficult to find.”
He goes on to say that “there is practically no complementarity” between the two companies, that Honda was “not very excited” about the move and suggested that Japan’s influential economy, trade and industry ministry (METI) was the deal’s main driver, attempting to “marry the short-term problems of Nissan with the long-term vision of Honda. They (METI) pushed Honda into the deal, without any doubt.”
Although Ghosn acknowledged potential benefits in cost-sharing, particularly in purchasing and technology investment, he said that it would be concentrated in Japan, reiterating the similarities between Nissan and Honda’s markets and products. He also foresees the two companies clashing over engineering solutions.
“I remember when we took control of Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi was not afraid of the collaboration with Renault; they were afraid of the collaboration with Nissan, because they knew how tough it was going to be when engineers meet together and there is this pride of ‘my solution is the best,’ which always is an obstacle to develop serious synergy for the future,” he said.
Is it a geopolitical Japan-shoring-up-against-China thing? “Without any doubt,” Ghosn said, adding that it’s a “defensive mode” to “avoid a social cataclysm in Japan and to reinforce (Nissan and Honda) in foreign markets.”
Nissan and Honda aim to finalise the terms of the merger (including the share transfer plan) by June. Mitsubishi aims to decide by the end of next month whether to join to make it a threesome.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Agree with Ghosn here…2 company with different business approach. Nissan is kinda like Sony with their walkman and discman.
It might end up Nissan becomes a rebadge brand or a budget brand.
If using that logic, it’s actually Honda that is Sony and Nissan would be Aiwa, right?
This son of a ugly b1tch needs move on. He is the one desperate for attention
U Shut up..he is papa GTR
How well you know him?
Dislike a person until assorted to body shaming?
Umno and PH are bedmates. Is that a desperate move?
While PAS tried to court umno out of gov to form their own gov..is that an even desperate move?..LOL
It was a desparate move by Zahid, dats for sure
aiyo this guy damn annoying la. the problem started with him to be honest. he is lucky he can use makoto as a scapegoat.
Said the criminal run away hahaha
Dear Ghosn, yes because desperate situations need desperate measures. Just like how you escaped from Japan in a box.
In a musical instrument box.
Good escaped safely from yakusa.
…threesome (snigger)
Nissan destroying Mitsubishi. Not just themselves.
ghosn is right and this “merger” or more accurately, honda takeover of nissan is going to end badly for both … btw ghosn was the victim of the usual japanese corporate shenanigans …
From the comments, it appeals that Malaysians hate Ghosn? Or worshipping Japan? Ghosn should be respected if we know the real story behind his escape saga. And don’t forget the brutal Japanese army acts that we Malaysians suffered during early 1940’s!
Nissan is full of old men like Tan Chong, they will never change their direction or listen to others. Honda is more left-brained and full of innovations although they also play it safe sometimes. Mitsu couldn’t care less, the motoring division is just one of their businesses. Honda should just dump Nissan and let them crash, then pick up the pieces. Mitsu biar join Toyoda.
You shut up. You have no business and right to interfere
Say no TofuCar built by slaves see what happened in Brazil
former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn isn’t so optimistic about the deal, telling Bloomberg in an interview that “it’s a desperate move. It’s not a pragmatic deal because frankly, the synergies between the two companies are difficult to find.”
Its like mahatahi jabbing anwar la…they will always condemn…its has always been “My way or highway”