Nissan Has a Chinese Surprise

Nissan, the Japanese auto maker, and a Chinese electric car company are planning on sharing technology, at least according to Nissan.

Nissan officials are scrambling to explain a surprise statement Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn made this week about sharing electric car technology with Nissan's Chinese joint-venture partner. Nissan CEO Ghosn's recent electric-car comments caught auto execs off guard, as the company explores the possibility of jointly producing and selling its Leaf electric cars in China.

Speaking to reporters, Ghosn said the Japanese auto maker is in discussions with "Dongfeng Motor Group Co. about transferring lithium-ion battery know-how and other key electric-car technology to their car manufacturing and sales joint venture."

As the two companies explore the possibility of jointly production/selling Nissan Leaf electric cars in China, Ghosn said "there's no limit to technology we bring to China."

Senior China-based Nissan executives said they hadn't spoken to Ghosn about his "no limit" statement and aren't exactly sure of his intent.
One senior Nissan executive says his understanding is that Ghosn's comments were intended as a "sweeping" statement that speaks to Nissan's "general" attitude toward transferring advanced technology to its main partner in China.
"Generally speaking, in most cases, it's difficult to see a situation where we would as a company share our advanced technology freely with our partners, without setting some limits," he said.
A venture between the Japanese and Chinese for the purpose of making electric cars would be a huge step for both countries. If you want to know more about Nissan's electric Leaf, contact Jim Johnson Nissan - 2200 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104.