Nissan 2013 Annual Report Download - page 13

MESSAGE FROM THE COO
Let me begin by expressing my deepest thanks to all of our stakeholders,
whose understanding and support for Nissan’s activities underpin the growth
and development that the company has achieved.
During fiscal 2012 Nissan faced difficult conditions on many fronts,
including sluggish demand due to the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the
impact on Japanese automakers of the islands issue that broke out with
China in September. Despite this, we were able to create positive cash flow
and build an even healthier balance sheet for Nissan. Our global sales also hit
an all-time high of 4.91 million vehicles during the year.
Ever since the financial and economic crisis touched off in late 2008,
Nissan has faced numerous trials. All our people have come together as one
and shown unwavering dedication to get us through this tumultuous period.
We have reduced our costs to cope with rising fuel and raw material prices
and shifted production to other markets to cope with an overvalued yen. At the
same time, we have taken steps in Japan to enhance our technological
competitiveness over the longer term by maintaining our monozukuri
A YEAR OF RECORD GLOBAL SALES
LEAPING AHEAD AROUND THE WORLD
Even when facing harsh conditions, Nissan does not focus solely on resolving
the short-term issues before it. The company invests continuously in its
people, brands, products and technologies to ensure sustainable growth over
the longer term as well. There will be more trials in the future, but also
opportunities for growth and further achievements. During fiscal 2013 we will
put our hard-won knowledge and experience to work to produce solid results
and propel ourselves toward the targets of Nissan Power 88, our mid-term
business plan.
The business environment is in constant flux, though, and global
competition continues to grow fiercer. Nissan’s task is to address this change
flexibly as it hones its competitive edge and produces steady results. Today
we are grappling with a range of challenges, using the diversity and cross-
functional approach we have fostered over time to pursue sustainable growth.
Toshiyuki Shiga
Chief Operating Officer
(manufacturing) excellence and our “mother factory” functions here. Nissan’s
strength has repeatedly been tested as we supported recovery and got our
business locations back online in the region affected by the 2011 Great East
Japan Earthquake, responded to the flooding that took place in Thailand later
that year, and addressed the setbacks arising from the islands issue with
China. In each case, by leveraging our know-how and considering all options,
we came up with swift, detailed countermeasures and minimized the impact of
these issues to overcome them and even thrive despite the challenges.
Nissan learned much in the course of tackling these crises. We now have
deeper capabilities in both management and at the genba level of the
business frontlines, thanks to our people’s efforts to think about what needs
to be done and then carry it through. Nissan has evolved into a more flexible,
muscular corporation as a result.
As we celebrate the 80th
anniversary of our founding,
we work to achieve even
greater success.
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NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY ANNUAL REPORT 2013
MANAGEMENT MESSAGES
CONTENTS
CORPORATE FACE TIME
PERFORMANCE
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
NISSAN POWER 88