Does Nissan Really Have 12 to 14 Months to Survive?

Earlier last year, Nissan celebrated its 90th anniversary—a significant milestone. Yet, according to current rumors circulating online, the Japanese automaker might only have 14 months before facing bankruptcy. Do I believe it? Personally, I think all manufacturers are at risk, as they largely depend on their sales. While Nissan might be in a precarious situation, it’s far from the first automaker to face challenges.

I believe the media is exaggerating, and Nissan isn’t in as much trouble as some might think. So, let’s analyze the situation from a different perspective.

The Rumors

Several sources, including two anonymous executives, claim that the Japanese automaker has only 12 to 14 months ahead of it, no more. That’s a bold statement, but let’s see why some media outlets are portraying the situation this way.

It’s true that recent months haven’t been particularly easy for Nissan. The company sold 34% of its shares to Mitsubishi, and several cuts are on the horizon. Not to mention that Nissan’s sales targets have been revised downward. Ironically, the automaker has experienced a significant surge in popularity in Canada lately.

In my opinion, saying Nissan has barely more than a year left is somewhat alarmist. It’s rare for a manufacturer of such scale to be under threat of closure. That said, I believe Nissan’s situation is far from ideal, and a major restructuring is undoubtedly on the horizon.

One thing is certain: the coming months will be crucial for the Japanese automaker. Who knows, the brand might make radical decisions. Nissan estimates it can save over $3 billion with the measures already taken. Personally, I believe good things are on the horizon for Nissan, and the arrival of the Rogue PHEV might well turn the tide in the automaker’s favor.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier