Japan's troubled automaker Nissan banks on hybrid EV technology
YOKOSUKA, Japan (AP) — Money-losing Japanese automaker Nissan is banking on its latest 'e-Power' technology for a turnaround.
A kind of hybrid, e-Power comes equipped with both an electric motor and gasoline engine, much like the Toyota Motor Corp. Prius. It's different from a Prius in that it doesn't switch back and forth between the motor and engine during the drive.
That means the car always is running on its EV battery, ensuring a quiet, smooth ride.
'Nissan has a proud history of pioneering innovative technology that set us apart,' Chief Technology Officer Eiichi Akashi told reporters on the sidelines of a test drive at its Grandrive course outside Tokyo.
The advantage of e-Power vehicles is that they never need to be charged like EVs do. The owner just fuels up at a gas station and the car never runs out of a charge.
Nissan Motor Corp., which racked up a $4.5 billion loss for the fiscal year through March, sorely needs a hot-seller, especially in the lucrative North American market. But the U.S. market is proving a big headache for all the Japanese automakers because of President Donald Trump's tariff policies.
To achieve a turnaround, Nissan is working on reducing costs, strengthening business partnerships and redefining its lineup. That's where e-Power fits in, according to Akashi.
Yokohama-based Nissan announced earlier this month that it's slashing about 15% of its global work force, or about 20,000 employees, and reducing the number of its auto plants to 10 from 17, under an ambitious recovery plan led by its new Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa.
Nissan officials did not give a price for the upcoming e-Power models. The only other automaker offers a similar technology is 'kei,' or tiny car manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corp.
E-Power is already offered on the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail model in Europe, and the Note in Japan. The upgraded version will be offered in the new Rogue in the U.S.
Nissan, a pioneer in EVs with its Leaf, which went on sale in 2010, is also preparing beefed up EV models. It's also working on a solid-state battery which is expected to replace the lithium-ion batteries now widely used in hybrids, EVs and e-Power models.
Analysts say Nissan is in danger of running out of cash and needs a partner. Speculation is rife its Yokohama headquarters building will get sold, or one of its Japan plants will be turned into a casino.
Nissan started talks last year with Japanese rival Honda Motor Co. for a business integration but announced in February that it was dropping the talks.
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Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yurikageyama
Yuri Kageyama, The Associated Press
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Kamal and Mani's collaboration on Thug Life marks their first project together in 38 years, raising hopes among fans for yet another cinematic milestone from the legendary duo. When asked about moments of synergy with his team, especially with Mani, Kamal said: 'Every day, when something to be proud of on set happens, we don't show it. We keep a cold face,' he said with a laugh. 'You can't keep applauding your work because you'll lose focus. Instead, you have to review it again, even if it's bitter criticism. You accept it and try to make it better.' For Kamal, collaboration is the lifeblood of filmmaking. 'Without co-efficient traction, there wouldn't be any kinetic movement forward; that's why collaboration is essential. I can't become a fan of my ideas. 'There has to be critique. Whether it's costumes, the way a character's hair is parted, or camera angles, everyone contributes to the process—from the director to the editor and the technicians,' he said. Kamal Haasan's unwavering passion for cinema shines through, especially when discussing what's next on his journey with Malay Mail. — Picture by Raymond Manuel A potential reunion with Rajinikanth Discussing Mani's approach to filmmaking and how he selects his cast, Kamal praised the director's unwavering dedication to storytelling. 'If Mani Ratnam finds a compelling story and feels either of us or both of us—is the right fit, he will consider it,' 'He doesn't craft stories for stars; he crafts them for the characters. That's what I admire most about him.' When asked about the possibility of a reunion with Rajinikanth under Mani's direction, Kamal reflected on the director's ethos. 'A good director should never be compelled to do anything beyond his passion,' he said. 'Mani Ratnam should continue to create the kind of cinema he believes in, not what others expect of him.' 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Many films haven't received the recognition they deserve,' he said. 'Good cinema is the protein in our diet; we can't survive on starch alone.' With Thug Life poised to redefine his legacy, Kamal's commitment to innovation and collaboration ensures that audiences are in for a cinematic treat—one that could indeed surpass even the timeless masterpiece that is Nayakan. DMY Creation is a major film distribution company in Malaysia, particularly known for distributing Hindi and Tamil films. The company, founded by Datuk Mohamed Yusoff, is also involved in bridging cultures through entertainment, fostering connections between Malaysian and Indian film industries.
