/ 25 January 2005

Nissan Diesel SA appoints first local directors

Nissan Diesel South Africa on Tuesday announced the appointment of two South African directors to its board — the first time that the Nissan Diesel Motor Corporation has appointed local staff on the board of directors at any of its subsidiaries in the world.

The appointment of Frans Cloete, senior vice-president of operations, and Johan Richards, senior vice-president of manufacturing, engineering and human resources, to the board of Nissan Diesel South Africa came into effect in January.

“These appointments reflect the high value that the Nissan Diesel Motor Corporation holds of the South African subsidiary,” Nissan Diesel South Africa CEO Hiroshi Yokofujita said.

“Nissan Diesel South Africa currently ranks first in the world in strategic importance for the Nissan Diesel Motor Corporation in Japan, constituting more than 15% of its total exports.”

According to Yokofujita, these appointments also prove the high level of expertise and quality of management that is present in Nissan Diesel South Africa.

“Nissan Diesel South Africa’s commitment remains to specialise in and grow its local market share, while remaining Nissan Diesel Motor Corporation’s largest export hub outside Japan,” said Yokofujita.

“This can only be done by building a solid foundation around our proven and durable range of trucks, a team of the best skilled people in the industry, investing in a well-trained and established dealer network, and maintaining dedicated local and international product support.”

Since its inception in 1962, Nissan Diesel South Africa has enjoyed a proud history of success, selling more than 56 000 units, of which 35 000 are still on the road.

“In 2002, Nissan Diesel South Africa became a fully-fledged subsidiary of the Japanese parent company, and as such remains committed to maintaining and expanding this proud heritage through its capacity to serve the local truck market on every level,” Yokofujita added. — I-Net Bridge