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Nissan: Dynamism of Saudi, UAE Markets a Key Factor for Company’s Regional Growth

A Saudi man looks at Nissan cars during the Riyadh Motor Show on November 29, 2016. (Reuters)
A Saudi man looks at Nissan cars during the Riyadh Motor Show on November 29, 2016. (Reuters)
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Nissan: Dynamism of Saudi, UAE Markets a Key Factor for Company’s Regional Growth

A Saudi man looks at Nissan cars during the Riyadh Motor Show on November 29, 2016. (Reuters)
A Saudi man looks at Nissan cars during the Riyadh Motor Show on November 29, 2016. (Reuters)

Nissan’s Chairperson for the region of Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) Guillaume Cartier said the vehicle market in Saudi and the United Arab Emirates will witness growth in the coming period thanks to favorable government policies that attract investments.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Cartier noted that Nissan was seeking to increase its market share growth to 20-25 percent, pointing to the company’s plans to promote electric cars in the Middle East.

Asked about Nissan’s strategy in the region, based on the global transformation plan and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Cartier stated that Nissan has been present in the Gulf for 70 years.

“We have witnessed the region boom, and we are talking about the dynamism that we can see in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and here… We have contributed to this growth,” he stressed, adding: “In addition to our well-established presence, we are proud of the loyalty we enjoy from our clients. This is a long-term progress and indicates a very stable situation.”

In this regard, Cartier said that Nissan’s strategy was to focus on the best models. “We’re taking a region-specific approach, which means that some cars like the Patrol and some SUVs have a region-specific feel.”

He continued: “In terms of color, for example, customers around the world like black more, but burgundy may be preferred here, and this is something we take into account in our research and development process. We know that people use the car in the city and on the roads, but where do they go? Also to the desert. So, we test the cars in the desert to make sure they are good enough in this particular environment.”

On whether the Middle East was ready for electric cars, Cartier pointed to the speed at which projects are implemented in the region. While he stressed that the desire was present and clear compared to other countries, he said that the shift to electric vehicles would depend on several other factors, including the presence of the appropriate infrastructure, the clients’ readiness and the situation of the market.

“The government is ready… as is the region. The necessary infrastructure is also growing and will be ready soon. The question now is the customers’ attitude and how quickly they will accept electric cars,” he continued.

He explained that customers in this part of the world travel the longest distances in their cars, with an approximate annual average of 22,000 miles.

“Europe may occupy the second place with an average of 15,000 miles, and speed is also important. So, the question here is the extent to which these cars will be accepted by the people, who often commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The other factor is the price, and how much the customer is willing to pay, and that’s something we can’t know,” he remarked.

Cartier emphasized, on the other hand, that Nissan’s strategy for the coming phase was in line with the 2030 ambitions plans.

He noted that the company would introduce 23 new vehicles with electric steering, including 15 new electric cars by 2030, unveiling a new technology enhanced with solid batteries, which are much more efficient than the batteries currently available in the market.

As for the factors that will help Nissan increase its market share in the region, Cartier said he expected that the sales would grow in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, because these two markets were dynamic and attracted investments.

“We seek to meet transport needs and increase our market share. Indeed, we are working to meet all the needs of the client by offering a diverse range of products,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He also emphasized the excellent government policies that give the company confidence.

“We can see increased growth, and we see that we are well positioned in the market,” he noted.

Asked about the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic on the vehicle industry and the supply chain, Cartier said the situation, which could seem chaotic on the short term, would gradually improve.

“The crisis will not last forever but it will take some time,” he underlined, adding that Nissan was aiming to increase its business in the region between 20 and 25 percent.

“But we must be careful because we do not know much about the evolution of the Covid virus. It is better to be optimistic, but at the same time we must realize that we are boosting production but we cannot fully meet demand,” he stated.

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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of the new Syrian administration, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere.”

He stressed that Syria “will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country.”

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, Al-Sharaa said the Syrian opposition’s actions had “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.”

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

“Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon,” he said.

He added: “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”

Al-Sharaa also criticized efforts to restore ties with the former Syrian regime, including its return to the Arab League in exchange for concessions.

“We were confident this would fail because we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith,” he said.

He claimed that during a meeting with Jordanian officials, the former regime was asked why it insisted on exporting Captagon to Jordan.

“The response was that it would not stop unless sanctions were lifted," Al-Sharaa said, adding “this is not how the regime operates.”

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. “Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable.”

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

“We are now focused on state-building. The revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere. Syria will not be a platform to threaten or unsettle any Arab or Gulf country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen ties with Arab nations. “Syria is tired of wars and being used for others’ agendas. We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world.”

He praised the Gulf’s progress, saying: “We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria.”

He added: “There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals.”

On Syria’s relationship with its neighbor Lebanon, Al-Sharaa acknowledged concerns raised by Lebanese counterparts about him reaching Damascus, fearing it could strengthen one faction over another in Lebanon.

“We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he said. “We want a relationship based on mutual respect and exchange, without interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. We have enough work to do in our own country.”

Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s intention to maintain balanced relations, saying he aims “to stand equally with all Lebanese groups, and what pleases them, pleases us.”

Al-Sharaa was asked about a national dialogue conference and a new constitution to guide Syria’s future, and the mechanism that he plans to ensure inclusivity for all Syrians in the process, especially among the base of supporters and fighters who do not necessarily agree with his current moderate speech.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

“I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide,” he said.

“Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy.”

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.

“Even those we thought were loyal to the old regime expressed joy, as they had not been able to openly express their feelings before,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Syrians, regardless of their background, are aware enough to protect their country.

“My aim is to reach a broad agreement and build a country where the rule of law helps resolve our differences,” Al-Sharaa concluded.

On the complex issue of forced disappearances and individuals missing in prisons and mass graves, Al-Sharaa said the previous regime was a criminal gang, not a political system.

“We fought a brutal group that committed crimes like arrests, forced disappearances, killings, displacement, starvation, chemical attacks, and torture,” he said.

He stressed that while the regime is gone, the focus should be on justice, not revenge.

“We must not approach this with a desire for vengeance,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stated that those responsible for crimes like the Saydnaya prison and chemical attacks must be held accountable.

“Their names are known and they must be pursued,” he said. He also affirmed that families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.

Al-Sharaa outlined efforts to address the issue of missing persons. “We’ve broken the barriers, and specialized organizations are now helping with this task,” he said.

A new ministry will be set up to track the fate of the missing, both the deceased and the living.

“This will also assist families with documents like death certificates and inheritance,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the need to uncover the truth. “This is a big task, but we must find the truth,” Al-Sharaa said.

When asked about hosting the interview at the People’s Palace, the same location where Bashar al-Assad once sat, Al-Sharaa responded with a light-hearted laugh.

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable at all,” he said. “But this is a place that should be open to the people, a site where they can visit and where children can play in these courtyards.”