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Two men questioned in Lebanon at Turkey's request over 2019 escape of former Nissan tycoon Ghosn
Read full article: Two men questioned in Lebanon at Turkey's request over 2019 escape of former Nissan tycoon GhosnLebanese judicial officials say authorities in Beirut have questioned two people at Turkey's request on suspicion of being involved in the 2019 escape of auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn from Japan to Lebanon.
Business tycoon Carlos Ghosn's rise, fall and dramatic escape is subject of new Apple TV+ series
Read full article: Business tycoon Carlos Ghosn's rise, fall and dramatic escape is subject of new Apple TV+ seriesCarlos Ghosn, the former rock star businessman who fell from grace and fled authorities smuggled in a music instrument box, is getting what his dramatic story deserves — a multi-part Apple TV+ documentary series.
Nissan plans $663 million investment in Renault's EV unit Ampere and says profit leapt in April-June
Read full article: Nissan plans $663 million investment in Renault's EV unit Ampere and says profit leapt in April-JuneNissan and Renault have redefined their French-Japanese auto alliance to establish more equal cross-shareholdings.
Carlos Ghosn says $1 billion lawsuit against Nissan is reasonable given his suffering after arrest
Read full article: Carlos Ghosn says $1 billion lawsuit against Nissan is reasonable given his suffering after arrestCarlos Ghosn says that the $1 billion lawsuit he recently filed against Nissan and others is just the beginning of his fight.
Auto tycoon Ghosn files $1 billion lawsuit in Lebanon against Nissan over his imprisonment in Japan
Read full article: Auto tycoon Ghosn files $1 billion lawsuit in Lebanon against Nissan over his imprisonment in JapanLebanese officials say auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Nissan and about a dozen individuals in Beirut over his imprisonment in Japan and what he says is misinformation spread against him.
Americans convicted in Japan on Ghosn's escape return home
Read full article: Americans convicted in Japan on Ghosn's escape return homeA lawyer for an American father and son convicted in Japan on charges of helping Nissan's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, escape to Lebanon says they have been returned to the U.S. Michael Taylor was sentenced last year to two years in prison, while his son Peter Taylor was sentenced to 20 months.
Americans in Japanese prison in Ghosn escape seek to go home
Read full article: Americans in Japanese prison in Ghosn escape seek to go homeTwo Americans imprisoned in Japan for helping former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn avoid trial and escape to Lebanon are hoping to serve the rest of their time in the U.S. Paul Kelly, the attorney for Michael Taylor and his son Peter Taylor, said the elder man was suffering from serious back pain and frostbite.
Nissan investing in electric vehicles, battery development
Read full article: Nissan investing in electric vehicles, battery developmentNissan is investing 2 trillion yen, or nearly $18 billion, over the next five years and developing a cheaper, more powerful battery to boost its electric vehicle lineup.
Defense says American charged in Ghosn pay case not involved
Read full article: Defense says American charged in Ghosn pay case not involvedThe defense for former Nissan executive Greg Kelly has argued there is no evidence or motives linking him to alleged under-reporting of his ex-boss Carlos Ghosn’s compensation.
Japan prosecutors close case against American in Ghosn pay
Read full article: Japan prosecutors close case against American in Ghosn payJapanese prosecutors are accusing former Nissan executive Greg Kelly of joining a “conspiracy” to pay his former boss Carlos Ghosn illicitly, as a yearlong trial wraps up.
Ex-Nissan exec Kelly wants boardroom, not criminal, trial
Read full article: Ex-Nissan exec Kelly wants boardroom, not criminal, trialNearly three years later, former Nissan executive Greg Kelly is still wondering why the questions that led to his arrest and trial in Japan weren’t simply taken up in the automaker's corporate boardroom.
Japan's Nissan returns to profit, forecasts profit for year
Read full article: Japan's Nissan returns to profit, forecasts profit for yearNissan has reported a 114.5 billion yen profit for the April-June quarter, a reversal from a 285.6 billion yen loss the previous year, as its sales and profitability improved, especially in the U.S. market.
American father, son sent to Japan prison in Ghosn escape
Read full article: American father, son sent to Japan prison in Ghosn escapeA Tokyo court has handed down prison terms for the American father and son accused of helping Nissan's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, escape to Lebanon while awaiting trial in Japan.
Nissan CEO tells Tokyo court Carlos Ghosn had too much power
Read full article: Nissan CEO tells Tokyo court Carlos Ghosn had too much powerNissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida has told a Japanese court that the company's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, had held too much power, failed to listen to others, and stayed on for too long.
Prosecutors seek prison for Americans in Ghosn escape trial
Read full article: Prosecutors seek prison for Americans in Ghosn escape trialThe trial in Tokyo of two Americans charged with helping Nissan's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, flee Japan has wrapped up with prosecutors seeking prison terms of more than two years.
Americans stand trial in Japan, accused in Ghosn's escape
Read full article: Americans stand trial in Japan, accused in Ghosn's escapeTwo Americans charged with helping former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan while he was facing accusations of financial misconduct have agreed they took part in a scheme for him to escape the country.
EXPLAINER: Who are Americans on trial in Ghosn's escape
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Who are Americans on trial in Ghosn's escapeAmericans Michael Taylor and his son Peter Taylor go on trial in Tokyo on Monday on suspicion they helped Nissan former Chairman Carlos Ghosn skip bail and escape to Lebanon in December 2019.
Can French judges clear Carlos Ghosn's name? He hopes so
Read full article: Can French judges clear Carlos Ghosn's name? He hopes soFormer auto magnate Carlos Ghosn expects to get hit with preliminary charges after French investigators travel to Beirut next week to question him over suspicions of financial misconduct.
5 key takeaways from AP's interview with Carlos Ghosn
Read full article: 5 key takeaways from AP's interview with Carlos GhosnIn a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press in Beirut, former star auto executive Carlos Ghosn has shared his frustrations surrounding his stunning downfall and delved into his legal troubles in Japan, France and the Netherlands.
Defiant Ghosn pins hopes on French probes to clear his name
Read full article: Defiant Ghosn pins hopes on French probes to clear his nameFugitive ex-auto magnate Carlos Ghosn is campaigning to clear his name and hopes an upcoming hearing in Beirut with French investigators offers a chance to defend himself for the first time since his 2018 arrest in Japan.
Dutch court orders former Nissan boss Ghosn to repay salary
Read full article: Dutch court orders former Nissan boss Ghosn to repay salaryA Dutch court has ordered fugitive former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn to repay nearly 5 million euros in salary to an Amsterdam-based alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi, and rejected his claim for millions in compensation for wrongful dismissal.
Japan prosecutors say Ghosn said Nissan pay plan was not set
Read full article: Japan prosecutors say Ghosn said Nissan pay plan was not setJapanese prosecutors say former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn told them during questioning on financial misconduct charges before he fled Japan that his compensation was never decided upon.
Japan charges Americans with helping Ghosn flee, jump bail
Read full article: Japan charges Americans with helping Ghosn flee, jump bailJapanese prosecutors have charged two Americans, Michael Taylor and his son Peter, in connection with the escape of former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn to Lebanon. (DHA via AP, File)TOKYO – Japanese prosecutors charged two Americans, Michael Taylor and his son Peter, Monday in the escape of former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn to Lebanon, while he was out on bail. Prosecutors said the Taylors were formally charged with helping a criminal escape, although dates and other details of a trial were undecided. Japan has put Ghosn on Interpol’s wanted list, but Lebanon has no extradition treaty with Japan. Peter Taylor, 28, is accused of meeting with Ghosn and helping his father carry out the escape.
AP Interview: Lawyer says Kelly innocent of Ghosn pay scheme
Read full article: AP Interview: Lawyer says Kelly innocent of Ghosn pay schemeThe lawyer for former Nissan Motor Co.'s executive Kelly, said his client was merely trying to prevent Ghosn from going to a rival automaker. At the time, Kelly, then a Nissan executive vice president, was making good money, had a successful career and moreover, was a lawyer. “He talks like a lawyer, and he thinks like a lawyer,” Kitamura said. Kelly, according to Kitamura, was just working out ways to pay Ghosn after retirement, through consulting fees and arranging a “non-compete” to prevent him from going to a rival automaker. “That would be the last day Greg would stay in Japan,” Kitamura said.
EXPLAINER: Japan to try US men accused of helping Ghosn flee
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Japan to try US men accused of helping Ghosn fleeTwo Americans suspected of helping Ghosn skip bail and escape to Lebanon in December 2019 have been extradited to Japan. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)TOKYO – Two Americans suspected of helping former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn skip bail and escape to Lebanon in December 2019 have been extradited to Japan. The box passed through airport security in Osaka, central Japan, and was loaded onto a private jet that flew Ghosn to Turkey. Peter Taylor is accused of meeting with Ghosn and helping his father carry out the escape. Japan has put Ghosn on Interpol's wanted list, but Lebanon has no extradition treaty with Japan.
2 Americans wanted in Ghosn's escape in Japanese custody
Read full article: 2 Americans wanted in Ghosn's escape in Japanese custodyThey have accused Japan of pursuing the pair in an attempt to save face after the embarrassment of Ghosn’s escape. He gave an interview to Vanity Fair magazine for a story last year in which he described the mission in detail. But he insisted that his son wasn’t involved and was not even in Japan when Ghosn left. The elder Taylor and Zayek met up with the two others at the Grand Hyatt and shortly after, they split up. But a federal judge in Boston put their extradition on hold shortly after their lawyers filed an emergency petition.
Nissan ex-CEO tells Japanese court Ghosn's pay was too low
Read full article: Nissan ex-CEO tells Japanese court Ghosn's pay was too lowFormer Nissan Chief Executive Saikawa told a Japanese court Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, he believed the compensation for his predecessor Carlos Ghosn was too low by international standards, and so he supported Ghosns retirement packages to prevent him from leaving. An American, he has been charged with financial misconduct in failing to fully disclose Ghosn’s future compensation. Ghosn led Nissan for two decades, salvaging the Japanese automaker from the brink of collapse. In the cross-examination by Kelly's defense lawyer Yoichi Kitamura, Saikawa said the several documents he signed were not about Ghosn's unpaid compensation but for services after Ghosn's retirement. When asked why he signed the documents, Saikawa said he trusted Kelly.
High court denies accused Ghosn smugglers' bid to stay in US
Read full article: High court denies accused Ghosn smugglers' bid to stay in USTaylor is accused of smuggling former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan in 2019 while he was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. The flight went first to Turkey, and then to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Lawyers for the Taylors argue the men can’t legally be extradited and will be treated unfairly in the Japan. Their lawyers told the Supreme Court in a brief filed Friday that the men would face harsh treatment in the Japanese criminal justice system. U.S. authorities had said they would not hand the men over to Japan while their bid for a stay was pending before Breyer, an attorney for the Taylors said.
Ex-Nissan boss' accused smugglers seek Supreme Court's help
Read full article: Ex-Nissan boss' accused smugglers seek Supreme Court's helpTaylor is accused of smuggling former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan in 2019 while he was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. Their lawyers told the Supreme Court that the men would face harsh treatment in the Japanese criminal justice system. The Taylors are asking the Supreme Court to halt the extradition until their case is fully considered by the 1st Circuit and, if necessary, the Supreme Court. The flight went first to Turkey, and then to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan. The judge rejected the petition last month, clearing the way for the extradition, before the lawyers appealed to the 1st Circuit.
Nissan stays in red ink amid pandemic, Japan criminal trial
Read full article: Nissan stays in red ink amid pandemic, Japan criminal trialNissan Motor Co. reported a 37.8 billion yen ($360 million) loss for October-December, bigger than the 26 billion yen loss racked up the previous year. But they still lag, at about a million vehicles for the quarter, down from 1.2 million vehicles a year ago. Chief Executive Makoto Uchida told reporters the annual sales forecast was lowered to about 4 million vehicles from an earlier 4.2 million vehicles. High-ranking people at Nissan, including Ghosn, were convinced his pay would come under criticism, according to testimony from several Nissan officials. AdJapanese prosecutors have argued the convoluted efforts to pay Ghosn without disclosing the full amount constitute a white-collar crime.
Man wanted in Carlos Ghosn's escape accuses US of 'betrayal'
Read full article: Man wanted in Carlos Ghosn's escape accuses US of 'betrayal'Chair Carlos Ghosn out of Japan in a box is imploring U.S. officials to block their extradition. Authorities say the Taylors were paid at least $1.3 million for their help. Ghosn wired more than $860,000 to a company linked to Peter Taylor shortly before the escape and Ghosn’s son later made $500,000 in cryptocurrency payments, authorities said. Meanwhile, Ghosn, free on bail, headed to the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo and met up with Peter Taylor, who was already in Japan, authorities say. Authorities say Ghosn was inside one of the big black boxes.
Judge OKs extradition of 2 wanted in ex-Nissan boss' escape
Read full article: Judge OKs extradition of 2 wanted in ex-Nissan boss' escapeU.S. District Judge Indira Talwani rejected a request to block the U.S. from handing Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, over to Japan. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani rejected a request to block the U.S. from handing Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, over to Japan. AdGhosn is now in Lebanon, where he has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Meanwhile, Ghosn headed to the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo and met up with Peter Taylor, who was already in Japan. Peter Taylor hopped on a flight to China, authorities say.
Turkish pilots, official face 12 years jail for Ghosn flight
Read full article: Turkish pilots, official face 12 years jail for Ghosn flightA security official checks people's IDs before the third hearing in the trial of Carlos Ghosn, former Nissan Motor Co. chairman, in Istanbul, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Turkish prosecutors on Wednesday pushed for maximum 12 years in prison each for a Turkish private airline company official and two pilots who are accused of smuggling Ghosn out of Japan, Turkey's state-run news agency reported. (AP Photo/Mehmet Guzel)ISTANBUL – Turkish prosecutors on Wednesday sought the maximum possible 12 years in prison each for a Turkish private airline official and two pilots accused of smuggling the former Nissan Motor Co. chairman out of Japan, Turkey’s state news agency reported. Delivering their final opinion on the case, the prosecutors also demanded that charges against two flight attendants be dropped. During the opening hearing, airline official Okan Kosemen claimed he was made aware that Ghosn was on the plane to Istanbul only after it landed.
Carlos Ghosn asks why Japanese don't question him in Lebanon
Read full article: Carlos Ghosn asks why Japanese don't question him in Lebanon(AP Photo/Hussein Malla, file)BEIRUT – Former Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said in an interview aired Monday that French investigators are coming to question him in Lebanon over some legal challenges in France, asking why don't the Japanese do the same thing. Ghosn, who is a Lebanese, Brazilian and French national, fled Japan in a dramatic escape that drew headlines in late 2019, arriving in Lebanon on Dec. 30 of that year. “Now the French have charges,” Ghosn said. The Japanese are not doing this.”“I consider all the charges to be false,” Ghosn said. Another investigation focused on suspected misuse of company funds for a party for Ghosn at Versailles.
French investigators to question Carlos Ghosn in Lebanon
Read full article: French investigators to question Carlos Ghosn in Lebanon(AP Photo/Hussein Malla, file)BEIRUT – A team of French investigators will come to Beirut next month to participate in interrogating former Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, a Lebanese justice ministry official said Saturday. The official gave no specific date or details of what information the investigators would seek from Ghosn. Former auto executive Ghosn, who is a Lebanese, Brazilian and French national, fled Japan in a dramatic escape that drew headlines last year, arriving in Lebanon on Dec. 30, 2019. The Lebanese official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the French investigators would be working alongside their Lebanese counterparts. Information about investigations is secret under French law, and French judicial officials did not respond to requests for comment Saturday on the report.
Rights experts: Japan's handling of Carlos Ghosn was wrong
Read full article: Rights experts: Japan's handling of Carlos Ghosn was wrongGENEVA – A panel of human rights experts working with the United Nations said Monday that former Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn was wrongly detained in Japan and has urged “compensation” for him from the Japanese government. The opinions of the working group are not binding on countries but aim to hold them up to their own human rights commitments. Among its past rulings involved the case of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who was likewise deemed to have had his human rights violated. Japan’s system has been repeatedly criticized by human rights advocates. Its members declined to speak to reporters about the opinion, the U.N. human rights office said.
Nissan's damages case against absent Ghosn opens in Japan
Read full article: Nissan's damages case against absent Ghosn opens in JapanTOKYO – A civil court trial began Friday in Japan over Nissan’s demand for 10 billion yen, or $95 million, in damages from its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn. Ghosn jumped bail late last year while awaiting a separate criminal trial in Japan. “The current Nissan civil lawsuit is an extension to the extremely unreasonable internal investigation with sinister intent by a portion of Nissan’s senior management and the unreasonable arrests and indictments by the public prosecutors,” Ghosn said. For the civil trial, Ghosn has hired acclaimed lawyer Nobuo Gohara, who has written a book of interviews with Ghosn. Tokyo prosecutors say they’re confident they have a case against Ghosn, as well as against Kelly.
Japanese automaker Nissan posts loss amid pandemic, scandal
Read full article: Japanese automaker Nissan posts loss amid pandemic, scandalNissan Motor Co. had a profit of 59 billion yen in July-September of 2019. Yokohama-based Nissan reported Thursday its quarterly sales dipped to 1.9 trillion yen ($18 billion) from 2.6 trillion yen a year earlier. The company is still bleeding red ink and expects a 615 billion yen ($5.8 billion) loss for this fiscal year, which ends in March. That is still an improvement over its earlier projection for a 670 billion yen loss ($6.4 billion). Nissan posted a 671 billion yen loss in the previous fiscal year.
Defense begins questioning in Japan trial over Ghosn's pay
Read full article: Defense begins questioning in Japan trial over Ghosn's paySince the trial began in September, Kelly has only presented a brief opening statement insisting on his innocence. Ghosn jumped bail and fled the country for Lebanon late last year, saying he feared he could not get a fair trial. In cross-examining Wednesday, Ohnuma told the court that Kelly did not know how much Ghosn was paid, as that was highly confidential at Nissan. The testimony suggested Kelly played a minor role in being consulted to study legal ways to pay Ghosn. Beginning in 2010, Japan started requiring public reporting of individual executives’ pay over 100 million yen ($1 million) in securities reports.
Japan's Toyota sees profit slip, holding up despite pandemic
Read full article: Japan's Toyota sees profit slip, holding up despite pandemicToyota Motor Corp. reported Friday a quarterly profit of 470.5 billion yen ($4.5 billion), down from 530 billion yen a year ago. Quarterly sales slipped to 6.77 trillion yen ($65 billion) from 7.64 trillion yen. Toyota, based in Toyota city in Aichi, central Japan, said it expects to record a 1.4 trillion yen ($13.5 billion) profit for the fiscal year. It earlier projected 730 billion yen ($7 billion) in profit. Toyota, which makes Lexus luxury models and the Prius hybrid, recorded 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) in profit the previous fiscal year.
Nissan employee testifies against American on trial in Japan
Read full article: Nissan employee testifies against American on trial in JapanTOKYO – A Nissan employee testified Tuesday that he worked with another former Nissan executive, American Greg Kelly to find ways to pay the automaker's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn without fully disclosing his compensation. Disclosing annual executive pay over 100 million yen (about $1 million) became a requirement in Japan from 2010. After 2014, Kelly handed over his duties dealing with pay to another Nissan executive, Hari Nada, Ohnuma said. “We worked together to consider how to avoid disclosure of the unpaid compensation,” Ohnuma said of his work with Kelly. Kelly, a former Nissan executive vice president, is the only person to stand trial in what prosecutors have portrayed as a systematic plot to under-report Ghosn’s compensation.
Japan begins trial of Nissan, ex-executive over Ghosn's pay
Read full article: Japan begins trial of Nissan, ex-executive over Ghosn's payFormer Nissan Motor Co. executive Greg Kelly arrives for the first trial hearing at the Tokyo District Court in Tokyo Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Japanese prosecutors outlined allegations of what they said was a complex and clandestine scheme to pay former star executive Carlos Ghosn. (Kiyoshi Ota/Pool Photo via AP)TOKYO – The financial misconduct trial of former Nissan executive Greg Kelly opened Tuesday. Japanese prosecutors outlined allegations of what they said was a complex and clandestine scheme to pay former star executive Carlos Ghosn. As is routine in Japanese trials, Tokyo District Prosecutors read from a long opening statement outlining their allegations.
Q&A: What to expect from trial of Nissan, ex-director Kelly
Read full article: Q&A: What to expect from trial of Nissan, ex-director KellyFILE - In this Friday, April 20, 2018, file photo, Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn speaks during an interview in Hong Kong. The criminal trial against Japanese automaker Nissan and its former executive Greg Kelly will open in Tokyo District Court on Sept. 15. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)TOKYO – The criminal trial against Japanese automaker Nissan and its former executive Greg Kelly will open in Tokyo District Court on Tuesday. A: Prosecutors will present their opening statement, outlining their case against Kelly during the first day of the trial. When asked about the trial, Tokyo Deputy Chief Prosecutor Hiroshi Yamamoto said little beyond reiterating his confidence there was plenty of evidence to win a conviction.
Nissan's Ghosn gone, American Kelly faces Japan trial alone
Read full article: Nissan's Ghosn gone, American Kelly faces Japan trial alone(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)TOKYO His boss Carlos Ghosn escaped financial misconduct charges by fleeing the country, but another former Nissan executive is still awaiting trial in Japan: Greg Kelly. Kelly's trial in Tokyo District Court is to open Sept. 15, nearly two years after his arrest, and the same day he turns 64. Jamie Wareham, Kellys lawyer in the U.S., says a compensation agreement was never finalized. Tokyo Deputy Chief Prosecutor Hiroshi Yamamoto said the preparations for Kellys trial took a long time because of the massive amounts of evidence involved. Since Japan has no extradition treaty with Lebanon, its unlikely Ghosn will ever face trial.
Scandal-tarnished Nissan shows off production innovation
Read full article: Scandal-tarnished Nissan shows off production innovationExecutive Vice President Hideyuki Sakamoto said the CFRP parts will be used in mass-produced sport-utility vehicles in four or five years, thanks to a new casting procedure for the poured resin. The cost savings come from shortening the production time from about three or four hours to just two minutes, Sakamoto said. But Nissan boasts great engineering technology.Nissan's troubles arent over, as its bottom line has been slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. Nissan also faces financial misconduct charges related to under-reporting Ghosns compensation, in a Tokyo trial that opens Sept. 15. In brighter news, Nissan is planning to unveil a new version of its flagship Z sports car at about the same time.
Judge OKs extradition for men accused of aiding Ghosn escape
Read full article: Judge OKs extradition for men accused of aiding Ghosn escapeU.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell issued a ruling approving the extradition of Michael Taylor, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, and his son Peter Taylor, but the final decision rests with the State Department. The flight went first to Turkey, then to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Bank records show Ghosn wired more than $860,000 to a company linked to Peter Taylor in October 2019, prosecutors said in court documents. Ghosns son also made cryptocurrency payments totaling about $500,000 to Peter Taylor in the first five months of this year, prosecutors say. The government seized $5 million from the bank account of Taylors company.
Japan's Mitsubishi executive behind Nissan alliance has died
Read full article: Japan's Mitsubishi executive behind Nissan alliance has diedAll rights reserved)TOKYO Mitsubishi Motors' former Chief Executive Osamu Masuko, who engineered the automakers alliance with Nissan, has died. Mitsubishi Motors said he died of heart failure on Aug. 27. Masuko joined with Nissans former chairman Carlos Ghosn in forming an alliance in 2016. He joined trading company Mitsubishi Corp. in 1972. Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Motors said it is not planning any special services, respecting Masukos wishes.
Reports: Nissan failed to report income for Ghosn in Japan
Read full article: Reports: Nissan failed to report income for Ghosn in JapanTOKYO The case against former Nissan executive Carlos Ghosn may have taken another turn as Japanese media report allegations that the automaker declared as expenses 1.15 billion yen ($10.8 million) in his taxable personal income. Japans National Tax Agency said Thursday it was aware of the reports but declined comment on an individual case. Nissan Motor Co. confirmed it had received a notice of a tax investigation from Japanese authorities. Such expenditures included 1 billion yen ($9.4 million) over five years through March 2019, and 150 million yen ($1.4 million) over three years before that, the reports said. The trial of another former Nissan executive, Greg Kelly, arrested with Ghosn, is scheduled to start next month.
Ghosn gone, other Nissan former executive set to face trial
Read full article: Ghosn gone, other Nissan former executive set to face trialSign of Tokyo District Court is seen where former Nissan Motor Co.'s executive Greg Kelly arrives for a pre-trial meeting in Tokyo Thursday, July 30, 2020. Former Nissan executive Kelly, who was arrested in connection with the financial scandal of his ex-boss Carlos Ghosn, will soon face trial in a Tokyo court. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO Former Nissan executive Greg Kelly, who was arrested in connection with the financial scandal of his ex-boss Carlos Ghosn, will soon face trial in a Tokyo court. Ghosn has publicly denounced the allegations as groundless and accused Nissan officials of a conspiracy to oust him. While Kelly is asserting innocence, Nissan has acknowledged guilt, seeking to distance itself from Ghosn and Kelly.
Japan's Mitsubishi Motors racks up red ink on pandemic pain
Read full article: Japan's Mitsubishi Motors racks up red ink on pandemic painFILE - In this Jan. 18, 2019, file photo, Mitsubishi Motors CEO Osamu Masuko speaks during a press conference at its headquarters in Tokyo. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. reported Monday, July 27, 2020, a 176 billion yen ($1.7 billion) loss for April-June, and forecast more red ink for the fiscal year, as the coronavirus pandemic slammed auto demand around the world. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO Mitsubishi Motors Corp. reported Monday a 176 billion yen ($1.7 billion) loss for April-June, and forecast more red ink for the fiscal year, as the coronavirus pandemic slammed auto demand around the world. Quarterly sales shrank 57% to 229.5 billion yen ($2.2 billion). Mitsubishi Motors has denounced Ghosn.
Nissan rolls out new electric crossover, aims to boost image
Read full article: Nissan rolls out new electric crossover, aims to boost imageNissan Motor Co.'s new electric crossover Ariya is displayed at Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama near Tokyo Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The Ariya is the Japanese automakers first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding former Chairman Carlos Ghosn. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)TOKYO Nissan unveiled an electric crossover vehicle Wednesday, the Japanese automakers first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn. At its global premiere in Yokohama, Japan, the new vehicle, Ariya" was billed as a new chapter for Nissan. The event was held online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Uncertainty remains over how Nissan will fare without Ghosn, who spear-headed its move into electric cars while at its help for two decades.
No bail for 2 accused of helping ex-Nissan boss escape Japan
Read full article: No bail for 2 accused of helping ex-Nissan boss escape JapanBOSTON A Massachusetts father and son who prosecutors say helped smuggle Nissans former chairman out of Japan last year were denied bail by a federal judge in Boston on Friday. The Taylors' lawyers had argued the pair were unlawfully arrested and cant be extradited because bail jumping is not a crime in Japan and, therefore, helping someone evade their bail conditions isnt a crime, either. The Taylors are wanted in Japan on allegations that they helped Ghosn flee the country in December while he was out on bail and awaiting trial on financial misconduct allegations. Authorities say the Taylors helped sneak Ghosn out of a hotel in a large box and then out of Japan on a private jet. The flight took Ghosn to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan.
Japan seeks extradition of Americans accused in Ghosn escape
Read full article: Japan seeks extradition of Americans accused in Ghosn escapeTOKYO Tokyo prosecutors said Friday that a request for extradition of two Americans arrested in the U.S. for allegedly helping Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Nissan, flee Japan while he was out on bail has been filed. The completion of the extradition request does not immediately mean Michael Taylor, a 59-year-old former Green Beret and private security specialist, and his son Peter Taylor, 27, will be handed over. Arrested in May in Massachusetts, they are accused of helping Ghosn flee to Lebanon in December while he was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. Japanese prosecutors have also been trying to bring Ghosn back to Japan, but Lebanon, unlike the U.S., does not have an extradition treaty with Japan. Authorities say the Taylors helped sneak Ghosn out of Japan on a private jet with the former Nissan boss tucked away in a large box.
Turkey: pilots on trial over Ghosn escape released from jail
Read full article: Turkey: pilots on trial over Ghosn escape released from jailA private airline official, four pilots and two flights attendants are on trial in Istanbul, accused of smuggling former Nissan Motor Co. chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan to Lebanon, via Turkey. (AP Photo/Mehmet Guzel)ISTANBUL A Turkish court on Friday released four pilots and a private airline official from jail, pending the outcome of their trial on charges of smuggling former Nissan Motor Co. chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan to Lebanon, via Turkey. The five are on trial in Istanbul, along with two flight attendants, for allegedly aiding Ghosn to flee while awaiting trial in Japan. In the first hearing of their trial, the pilots and flight attendants denied involvement in the plans to smuggle Ghosn or of knowing that Ghosn was aboard the flights. The airline official said that in Istanbul, he took Ghosn to the second plane and accompanied him to Beirut.
Nissan officials face angry shareholders on red ink, scandal
Read full article: Nissan officials face angry shareholders on red ink, scandalA man walks past the corporate logos at the global headquarters of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in Yokohama near Tokyo, Thursday, May 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)TOKYO Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida told shareholders Monday he is giving up half his pay after the Japanese automaker sank into the red amid plunging sales and plant closures in Spain and Indonesia. But the problems are especially serious for Nissan Motor Co., which already was fighting to salvage its reputation after the financial misconduct scandal of its former star executive Carlos Ghosn. Nissan, based in Yokohama, Japan, sank into its first annual loss in 11 years, reporting a 671.2 billion yen ($6.3 billion) loss for the fiscal year that ended in March. But one investor noted Nissan sales werent picking up in the U.S. or China, and Nissan stock prices were continuing to slip.
Money-losing Mitsubishi says executives will take pay cuts
Read full article: Money-losing Mitsubishi says executives will take pay cutsTOKYO Mitsubishi Motors told its shareholders Thursday that its top executives are taking pay cuts to share responsibility for the Japanese automakers financial losses. I hope we can gain your understanding, Chief Executive Takao Kato said on how, given the harsh conditions, there will be no dividends. Like other automakers, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. has seen its sales plunge amid the coronavirus pandemic. Kato said the executives' pay cuts amount to a reduction by about 45% of their overall pay by lowering salaries and foregoing performance-linked bonus pay. Mitsubishi is part of an alliance among bigger Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. and Renault of France.
Japan wants US to extradite Americans who helped Ghosn flee
Read full article: Japan wants US to extradite Americans who helped Ghosn fleeTOKYO A Japanese prosecutor on Thursday urged the U.S. to extradite two Americans accused of helping Nissans former chairman, Carlos Ghosn flee the country while he was out on bail. Deputy Chief Prosecutor Takahiro Saito said Japan has issued arrest warrants for Michael and Peter Taylor for allegedly helping a criminal escape. They are wanted in Japan for allegedly helping Ghosn flee to Lebanon in December, jumping bail while he was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. Prosecutors say Ghosn broke the law by violating bail conditions that required him to stay in Japan, mostly at his Tokyo home. Authorities say the Taylors helped sneak Ghosn out of the Japan on a private jet with the former Nissan boss tucked away in a large box.
French carmaker Renault announces 15,000 job cuts worldwide
Read full article: French carmaker Renault announces 15,000 job cuts worldwideThe headquarters of French carmaker Renault is pictured in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris, Monday, May 25, 2020. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil sweeping new measures to rescue France's car industry, hammered by virus lockdown and the resulting recession. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)PARIS Struggling French carmaker Renault on Friday announced 15,000 job cuts worldwide as part of a 2 billion-euro cost-cutting plan over three years. The group is also considering adaptation of its production capacities in Russia and announced the halt of Renault-branded oil-powered car activities in China. The French government is its single biggest shareholder with a 15-percent stake, and has been in talks on a 5 billion-euro loan guarantee.
Nissan plans to close Barcelona factories, 3,000 jobs lost
Read full article: Nissan plans to close Barcelona factories, 3,000 jobs lostMADRID Spains government says that Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co. has decided to close its manufacturing plants in the northeastern Catalonia region, resulting in the loss of some 3,000 direct jobs. Spains Industry Ministry says in a statement on Thursday that it regrets the companys decision despite proposals to keep the plant running, and urges the car manufacturers executives to consider alternatives. Workers unions had warned that 20,000 more jobs in Nissans local supply chain would also be threatened if the company closed its car manufacturing plant in Barcelona and two smaller factories in nearby towns. Reeling from a scandal involving its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, Yokohama-based Nissan was due to report on Thursday its annual results, which are expected to come as the first yearly loss in 11 years. The company is undergoing a deep restructuring, focusing on China, North America and Japan and leaving the European market, Russia, South America and North Africa to its partner Renault; and Southeast Asia and Oceania to Mitsubishi.
Nissan to close Indonesia, Spain auto plants after losses
Read full article: Nissan to close Indonesia, Spain auto plants after lossesJapanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co. has decided to close its manufacturing plans in the northeastern Catalonia region, resulting in the loss of some 3,000 direct jobs. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)TOKYO Nissan announced Thursday it will close two auto plants, in Spain and Indonesia, as it sank into the red for the first time in 11 years after the coronavirus pandemic sent global demand plunging and halted production. Yokohama-based Nissan had recorded a 319.1 billion yen profit the previous fiscal year through March 2019. Nissan said its global vehicle production dropped 62% in April to 150,388 vehicles from a year ago. Global vehicle sales slipped nearly 42% last month.
Nissan-Renault alliance to share more parts, technology
Read full article: Nissan-Renault alliance to share more parts, technologyThe Japanese-French auto alliance of Nissan and Renault will be sharing more vehicle parts, technology and models to save costs as the industry struggles to survive the coronavirus pandemic. (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi via AP)TOKYO The auto alliance of Nissan and Renault said Wednesday it will be sharing more vehicle parts, technology and models to save costs as the industry struggles to survive the the coronavirus pandemic. Nissan is a leader in electric cars with its Leaf, but such technology will be available to the other alliance members, they said. Frances government announced on Tuesday a bailout of more than 8 billion euros ($8.8 billion) for the nations auto industry. Before his downfall, Ghosn was a revered figure in the auto industry, especially in Japan, where he was a corporate superstar.
France unveils $8.8 billion rescue for ailing car industry
Read full article: France unveils $8.8 billion rescue for ailing car industryThe logo of French carmaker Renault is pictured at the Flins plant of French carmaker Renault in Aubergenville, west of Paris, Monday, May 25, 2020. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil sweeping new measures to rescue France's car industry, hammered by virus lockdown and the resulting recession. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron announced an 8 billion-euro ($8.8 billion) plan Tuesday to save the countrys car industry from huge losses wrought by virus lockdowns, including a big boost for electric vehicles. PARIS (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil new measures Tuesday to rescue the country's car industry, which has been hammered by the virus lockdown and the resulting recession. Macron tweeted that government investment in the national car industry, which includes brands like Peugeot-Citroen and Renault as well as parts suppliers, will increase massively."
2 accused of smuggling ex-Nissan boss out of Japan in a box
Read full article: 2 accused of smuggling ex-Nissan boss out of Japan in a boxAssistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hassink said Japan plans as quickly as possible to submit a formal request to extradite the Taylors. At their arrival, Taylor and Zayek, his Lebanese-born colleague, told airport employees they were musicians carrying audio equipment. The elder Taylor and Zayek joined after a brief stop to rent a separate room near the airport. Authorities say Ghosn was inside one of the big black boxes, lugged by the two men to Japans Kansai International Airport, authorities said. The flight went first to Turkey, then to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship but which has no extradition treaty with Japan.