Carlos Ghosn, a famous leader in the automotive world for over
the past two decades, is still exiled in his native Lebanon after fleeing from
his detention in Japan. Ghosn was held for months pending investigations into a
tax evasion case he was accused of. However, Ghosn escaped — controversially
and spectacularly — in a piano box on a private jet.
اضافة اعلان
His arrest sent a wave through the automotive world and the globe.
Ghosn once ran the largest global alliance in the auto industry, where he
achieved unparalleled success with
Nissan Renault and later Mitsubishi.
His saga was like a dream turned terrible nightmare that
ended with him behind bars, and led to his notorious escape and life as a
fugitive.
Ghosn, after his escape, said that his arrest in Japan was
the result of “conspiracy and betrayal”; statements that he made more than once.
The officials in the Nissan group wanted to prevent him from completing his
plan to merge with the French giant Renault, he claimed, stressing that the
plan was discussed with Nissan President Hiroto Saikawa.
It seems that Japan’s wrath against Ghosn was great and
intense, which was evident after his forceful arrest and investigation. Additionally,
Ghosn was dismissed almost immediately as CEO of Nissan and Mitsubishi.
However, what was really questionable and rather odd, was
the delay in response from France’s Renault, who later followed suit with their
agreement Japanese counterparts to dismiss their strongman.
Industry experts have speculated that Ghosn's recent moves
to bolster Renault's influence in the alliance appear to have been the main
reason for a possible "Japanese coup" against the former CEO.
This theory is reinforced by what Ghosn himself said during
an interview with the Japanese economic newspaper Nikkei some time before his
arrest. Ghosn said that he wanted the president of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu
Masuko, to participate in discussions about the future of the alliance, but
Nissan President Saikawa wanted the discussions to be held "with each one
separately."
Once a convergence of views was achieved between the heads
of the three major companies, Ghosn wanted to ensure "the independence of
each of the companies within the framework of the holding company.”
But, obviously the Japanese presidents and eventually the
Japanese courts had different thoughts about Ghosn’s moves. He later stated
that he had no doubts that the accusations against him were motivated by the
knowledge of those responsible at Nissan.
However, regardless of what the truth is, Ghosn was a
remarkable leader, and saved the Japanese car company Nissan in 1999. He was sent
by Renault to Japan on a very special mission to save Nissan, whose sales fell
by about 30 percent during that period. Nissan suffered from a budget deficit
of $22 billion, and the company’s production decreased to only 1 million cars
annually, but Carlos Ghosn managed, in just two years, to reduce the company’s
debt from $22 billion to only $4 billion.
After nearly 20 years, he lead entire alliance to the throne
of the global auto industry.
The coming days may or may not bring more wrinkles to Ghosn’s
case, and the man may be rearrested and tried on charges, but his impressive
record of success and achievements remains steadfast and bears witness to his
administrative efficiency and leadership of unparalleled caliber.
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