Nissan as Japan's No.2

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co. eclipsed Honda last year to become Japan's No. 2 automaker, but COO Toshiyuki Shiga says the company still trails where it counts: Profits.

"Honda still makes better profit," Shiga said in a February 17 interview.

In 2010, Nissan sold 4.08 million vehicles globally, edging Honda's 3.39 millionCQ, to become Japan's second-best selling manufacturer behind Toyota Motor Corporation, the world's No. 1.

But for the fiscal year ending March 31, Nissan expects net income of 315.0 billion yen ($3.86 billion) and operating profit of 530.0 billion yen ($6.50 billion). Honda sees net income of 530.0 billion yen ($6.50 billion) and operating profit of 620.0 billion yen ($7.60 billion).

"Nissan became No. 3 (in sales) at the end of the 1990s. At that time, it was quite a tough time for Nissan, with the financial crisis," Shiga said, adding that its finances still have a way to go.

"We are still the challengers," he said.


Erik G Pedrosa
AUTONEWS