Nissan 2013 Annual Report Download - page 10

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Nissan continued progress under Nissan Power 88, our mid-term plan, during
fiscal year 2012 despite a range of challenges. The company delivered net
income in line with its full-year guidance and generated significant automotive
free cash flow while strengthening its balance sheet. However, the company
struggled to meet its goal for full-year operating profit. The company’s results
reflect a number of achievements, which we will build upon in 2013, and they
highlight opportunities for progress. We continue to pursue our goals of
achieving 8% global market share and a sustainable 8% operating profit
margin by fiscal year 2016.
In 2012, our products generated positive recognition. The Note was
crowned the RJC Car of the Year for 2013 in our important home market of
Japan. Meanwhile, in China, the new Sylphy was named Car of the Year in the
country’s overall automobile awards ceremony. And the Venucia R50 took
home the award for “most economical vehicle.” Separately, the worldwide
visibility of the Nissan brand was recognized when we achieved our highest-
ever ranking on Interbrand’s Global Top 100 brands.
In the 16th Nikkei Environmental Management Survey, Nissan was
named first among automotive companies and second overall. And Nissan has
dramatically increased its ranking among “Best Global Green Brands”—being
named 5th among 50 top brands. Nissan has now sold more zero-emission
vehicles than any other automaker. Since we introduced Nissan LEAF in
December 2010, we’ve sold about 70,000 worldwide as of the end of June
2013. Nissan LEAF also ranked first in the influential Kelley Blue Book list of
Best Green Cars of 2013.
Another area where we saw significant growth in the last fiscal year was
with our Infiniti premium brand. In 2012, we achieved a new sales record of
173,000 units, an increase of 12% from the previous fiscal year. We also
initiated sales in Chile, the Dominican Republic, South Africa and Australia. In
December, Infiniti announced that the Sunderland plant in the United
Kingdom will manufacture an all-new premium compact car in 2015. To
further increase brand awareness, for the Formula One 2013 season, we
have significantly expanded our partnership with Red Bull Racing, to become
title sponsor and technical collaborator.
Carlos Ghosn
President and Chief Executive Officer
The fighting spirit is very much alive
within Nissan, and we are prepared to
seize the opportunities.
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NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY ANNUAL REPORT 2013
MANAGEMENT MESSAGES
CONTENTS
CORPORATE FACE TIME
PERFORMANCE
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
NISSAN POWER 88