Nissan Motor will publish record sales in 2017 as a stronger global financial growth buoys demand for the market, balancing out the impact of unstable currency and commodity markets, Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn stated.
Ghosn, who is likewise CEO of alliance partner Renault, stated he was confident that U.S. trade policy under President-elect Donald Trump would keep promoting strong ties with Mexico, where Nissan produces automobiles for export to the United States.
There have been stress over the danger of rising expenses for Nissan and its rival car manufacturers if Trump fulfills his promises to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or put tariffs on automobiles imported from Mexico.
According to its newest global sales figures, Nissan sold 4.52 million over January to October, after publishing record sales of 5.42 million cars globally, last year.
“I think 2017 should be a great year. I think we will see sensible economic growth, especially in the automobile industry … I believe we will establish a record for sales in 2017,” Ghosn informed press reporters on Friday.
Higher raw material rates and currency fluctuations will keep presenting dangers for the market, however this will be balanced out by a development pattern in worldwide economies that will keep demand for vehicles strong, Ghosn stated.
Ghosn said he was not really concerned about the future of the NAFTA. “What has been stated by the president of the United States is ‘America first’ … We need to believe that the program has to do with American interest, and American interest consists of strong trade relations with Mexico.”
The worldwide pattern to minimize car emissions will drive Nissan’s plans to develop more “green” vehicles, including its Leaf – the world’s top-selling all-battery powered automobile – despite industry moves to loosen up regulations, Ghosn stated.
