Nissan has appointed Guillaume Cartier as its new chairperson for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe And Oceania (AMIEO) region effective 1 April 2021.
According to a statement by Nissan, the well experienced Cartier will lead all Nissan operations in a region that covers 140 markets across four continents with a population of around 2.8 billion people, representing more than 30% of global vehicle sales.
With over 25 years’ experience at Nissan and in the Alliance in global and regional leadership positions, Cartier will lead the new region as the Nissan NEXT transformation plan continues to gather pace. With key models in Europe, including Qashqai and Ariya launching soon, the brand intends to build on the growth in the AMIEO markets thanks to a powerful vehicle line-up ranging from the iconic Patrol to the recently launched Magnite in India.
During the recent announcement, Cartier said that he is thrilled to be leading this culturally rich and diverse region into a period of unprecedented change for the automotive industry and with a refreshed range of Nissan models and technologies coming to the market.
“A new period of sustainable growth is beginning for Nissan, as we continue to progress the Nissan Next transformation plan, accelerating our journey towards a fully electrified line-up in Europe by 2023, and bringing our enhanced product line-up to our growing loyal customer base in Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania,” Cartier said.
Cartier first joined Nissan in 1995 as an after-sales manager and went on to hold a number of senior management positions in the Alliance, including AMI Chairperson, head of the Global Datsun Business Unit, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President for Mitsubishi Motors and current vice chairperson of the AMIEO region and AMI President.
He will replace Gianluca De Ficchy, who served for three years chairperson of Nissan Europe and latter of the expanded AMIEO region. De Ficchy will take on a new senior role within the Alliance.
Cartier will be replaced as AMIEO region senior vice president for sales and marketing by Leon Dorssers also effective from 1 April and reporting to Cartier covering all AMIEO regional sales and marketing functions, including sales, dealer networks, product strategy and pricing, brand and customer experience.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
