While it's fun, let's not bash the French for Nissan's woes (I'll even skip
my favorite French joke). The real problem is the conservative nature of
Nissan execs. Remember that the only one from Nissan to have any vision, Mr.
K, was banished to America as punishment. The company itself was so timid as
to use another name in foreign markets so that potential failure would not
cause loss of face.
Nissan seems to be more interested in trucks (the whole auto industry is
full of this - witness the Porsche Cayenne) and seems to be doing well in
that regard (as many of you love your newer Nissan trucks). But this concept
car does not deserve the Z badge, and is certainly not a Datsun. Maybe we
should buy the name from them....
Leigh Brooks
BADROC
PS - the only vehicle still badged as a Datsun is a Japanese domestic-only
truck.
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