Makoto Uchida, the President and CEO of Nissan Motor Corporation, has been honoured with a CBE by His Majesty the King.
This recognition highlights Uchida’s significant contributions to strengthening UK-Japan business relations and his pivotal role in the development of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK.
Uchida’s efforts have played a crucial part in the UK’s transition towards a greener automotive industry.
Makoto Uchida’s Leadership at Nissan
Makoto Uchida has been a driving force at Nissan since he became CEO in December 2019. His leadership has been marked by a clear vision for innovation and sustainability.
Under his guidance, Nissan has launched the “Nissan Ambition 2030” long-term vision, focusing on empowering mobility and creating a smart ecosystem with integrated mobility.
This includes significant investments in new models, technologies, and mobility ecosystems aimed at accelerating the electrification of Nissan’s vehicle lineup.
Main Initiatives and Achievements
- Nissan NEXT Transformation Plan: A strategy to streamline operations, improve profitability, and invest in future technologies.
- Global EV Hub in Sunderland: A landmark decision to establish Nissan’s global electric vehicle hub in Sunderland, contributing to the UK’s net-zero goals.
- Electric Battery Gigafactory: Plans to build a £1 billion electric battery gigafactory in the UK, followed by a £2 billion investment into new EV lines.
Nissan’s Contributions to the UK
Nissan’s commitment to the UK extends beyond business operations. The company has made substantial investments that have bolstered the UK’s position in the global automotive industry.
Establishment of the EV Hub
The decision to locate Nissan’s global EV hub in Sunderland has been transformative. This initiative not only supports the UK’s green transition but also creates jobs and stimulates the local economy.
The Sunderland plant, already the UK’s largest car plant, is now a central player in the country’s automotive future.
Electric Battery Gigafactory
Nissan’s investment in the electric battery gigafactory underscores its commitment to sustainable practices.
This facility is set to produce batteries for the next generation of electric vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UK’s net-zero targets.
Initiative |
Impact |
|---|---|
| Establishment of EV Hub | Supports UK’s net-zero goals, creates jobs |
| Electric Battery Gigafactory | Produces EV batteries, reduces carbon emissions |
| Investment in New EV Lines | Advances UK automotive industry, innovation |
Collaborations and Innovations
Nissan’s influence extends into academia and research, fostering innovation and collaboration.
R&D Collaborations with UK Universities
Nissan has partnered with several UK universities and institutions to advance research in automotive electrification and autonomous driving.
The Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, plays a pivotal role in these efforts, driving innovation and technological advancements.
Educational Initiatives
- Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies: Located at the University of Oxford, this institute fosters research and academic exchanges between the UK and Japan.
- Nissan Skills Foundation: This foundation runs initiatives to encourage children in the North East of England to develop STEM skills and pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering.
Educational Impact
Nissan’s educational initiatives have a far-reaching impact, supporting the development of future talent and strengthening UK-Japan relations.
The Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies
The Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies at the University of Oxford is a beacon of academic excellence, promoting research across various disciplines. Therefore it plays a crucial role in fostering deeper understanding and collaboration between the UK and Japan.
The Nissan Skills Foundation
The foundation’s efforts to encourage STEM education are vital for nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Consequently, by targeting children in the North East of England, Nissan is helping to build a skilled workforce that can drive future advancements in the automotive industry.
The Takeaway
Makoto Uchida’s leadership at Nissan has significantly strengthened UK-Japan business relations and driven forward the UK’s green automotive agenda.
His vision and commitment have not only advanced Nissan’s global standing but also supported the UK in its pursuit of sustainability and innovation.
The CBE honour is a testament to Uchida’s impactful contributions and the lasting legacy he is building in the UK and beyond. As Nissan continues to lead in electric vehicle development and sustainable practices, Uchida’s influence will undoubtedly shape the future of the automotive industry.
More information about Makoto Uchida from Nissan.
Sources: THX News, LinkedIn, Wikipedia, Nissan, Journal of Student Research (document) & British Embassy Tokyo.
