Nissan Reinforces Advanced Technology Development Organization
Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced changes in its R&D division to strengthen efforts on future and advanced technologies. The reorganization creates departments to focus resources on three main areas: Fuel Cells Vehicles (FCV), fuel efficient environmental engine technology and Information Technology (IT) development. The change will take place effectively February 1, 2001.
"To grow our business, it is extremely important to continue to develop advanced technology, as well as planning and development of products which attract customers, and cost reduction," said Nobuo Okubo, Executive Vice President, in charge of Technology and Engineering Development Group in Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "Engineering plays a key role in supporting Nissan's new brand image through offering customers the technology they demand in usable and affordable applications."
To support the changes in the R&D division, Nissan has established three new departments within R&D and a new group to promote cross-functional working on product development.
FCV Development Department
The company has established a dedicated 'FCV Development Department'. Nissan has announced an intensive 5-years development with Renault. The company will focus dedicated resources worldwide on FCV development.
Vehicle Advanced Engineering Department No.2 (environmental efficiency)
Additionally, the company has created a vehicle advanced engineering department dedicated to developing technology to improve fuel efficiency. The new department will strengthen the capability of synthetic engineering, including development of the lightened-vehicle body and the low-friction parts, and the combination of advanced technology. This department is instrumental in Nissan environmental protection efforts to meet targets for improved fuel efficiency.
IT Development Department
The IT Development Department will consolidate and focus company efforts on advanced IT research and engineering. Until now, these operations have been dispersed throughout the Engineering Development Group. The new structure will work with both engineers and the C.I.O. (Chief Information Officer) to development IT and applications worldwide in an area of rapid change and innovation.
V-3P Promotion Group (vehicle development process improvement)
To shorten new model development time and ensure that products utilize technology meets customer needs, Nissan has organized the V-3P Promotion Group within the Resources Management Department. The group will develop and implement more effective processes for shortening new model development time, through a improved infrastructure, particularly advanced IT system. The group will utilize technical knowledge and expertise company-wide.
On October 18, 1999, Nissan unveiled a comprehensive plan to revive the company, the Nissan Revival plan. As part of the NRP, Nissan will launch 22 new products in three years (ending March 31, 2002), and prepare to launch an average of seven vehicles per year in the following three years. This new organization a key part of the effort to consistently deliver products and technology the market will demand in the future.
Within the organization, 18 key personnel will transfer to lead and support these new departments.
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