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Nissan shareholders oust Carlos Ghosn from board of directors

TOKYO — Nissan's shareholders approved on Monday the ouster from the Japanese automaker's board of its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, who is facing allegations of financial misconduct. The approval, which was expected, was indicated by applause from the more than 4,000 people gathered at a Tokyo hotel for a three-hour extraordinary shareholders' meeting. Other votes had been submitted in advance. Ahead of the vote, Nissan's top executive apologized to shareholders for the scandal at the Japanese automaker and asked them to approve Ghosn's dismissal. Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa and other Nissan executives bowed deeply in apology to shareholders attending the extraordinary meeting at a Tokyo hotel. Shareholders also approved the appointment of French alliance partner Renault SA's Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard to replace Ghosn. Renault owns 43 percent of Nissan. Senard, introduced to shareholders at the meeting's end, thanked them and promised to do his best to keep the automaker's performance on track. "I will dedicate my energy to enhance the future of Nissan," said Senard. The shareholders also gave a green light to removing from the board a former executive direct, Greg Kelly, who has been charged with collaborating with Ghosn in the alleged misconduct. Angry shareholders demanded an explanation for how wrongdoing on an allegedly massive scale had gone unchecked for years. The meeting was closed except to stockholders but livestreamed. One shareholder said Nissan's entire management should resign immediately. Saikawa said he felt his responsibility lay in fixing the shoddy corporate governance at Nissan first, and continuing to lead its operations. Another shareholder asked if Nissan was prepared for a damage lawsuit from shareholders since its stock price has plunged. "I deeply, deeply apologize for all the worries and troubles we have caused," Saikawa said. "This is an unprecedented and unbelievable misconduct by a top executive." He outlined the findings of an internal investigation, such as payments of a consultation fee to Ghosn's sister for 13 years. The investigation has also found too much power had been focused in one person, he said. Ken Miyamoto, 65, a Nissan shareholder, said he was disappointed. "It is really such a pity as he was a brilliant manager," Miyamoto said of Ghosn before heading into the meeting.

Did Amazon just deliver a car in a giant box?

Back in September, reports started rolling in that Amazon would get into the auto sales business after a promo for the Nissan Versa Note appeared on the online retailer's page. That link didn't actually sell a car, but instead acted as a referral service for potential customers, linking them up with dealers. A recent image that's been floating around on Reddit and that was picked up by The Huffington Post, though, has us wondering if Amazon has dove into the actual business of selling cars, rather than just referring people to dealers.
The image, above, shows an enormous Amazon box on the back of a flatbed tow truck. According to HuffPo, this could be one of the cars sold through the earlier promotion for the Versa Note (which was sweetened with the addition a $1,000 Amazon gift card). Apparently, three of the Versas purchased would arrive in such a fashion. Then again, this could all be nothing more than an elaborate publicity stunt. Amazon is, after all, the company has been touting drone delivery of its goods.
What do you think is in the box? Let us know down in Comments. Bonus points for those that come up with an idea as absurd as the bulk order of banana slicers HuffPo mentioned.

Nissan and BMW want the UK to stay in the EU

Nissan and BMW are saying that the Brexit shouldn't become reality. It's a mixture of hope and threat because their planned investments in the UK risk to be damaged by the referendum's result. While those brands are still saying that every decision from the UK's people will be respected, you can sense a fear that every plan is going to be messed up. The problem is simple according to Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn: "For us, a position of stability is more positive than a collection of unknowns. It makes the most sense for jobs, trade and costs." For sure Nissan is not going to shut its plant in northeast England if the country exits the Union, but this could change plans for the future, as the so-called Brexit could cause an increase on costs and above all on competition. Nissan employs 8,000 people in the UK across its manufacturing, engineering, and design facilities, and a further 32,000 indirectly through dealerships and its supply chain. All these people produce almost half a million cars and 80 percent of those are exported, so just imagine how taxes could affect prices and sales. If the EU's borders get smaller, Nissan will face some problems with customs duties the foreign products struggle with, as other Japanese automakers have so far, while importing their cars into the Union. Nissan is not the only maker interested in the outcome of the referendum to be held June 23; BMW is of the same mood, hoping Brexit won't become reality. The Germans already warn Mini and Rolls-Royce employees that the exit of UK from the Union could cause problems with increasing costs and higher prices due to tariff barriers. BMW CEO Harald Krueger at the Geneva auto show said "a UK vote to exit the European Union would cloud the future of the automaker's UK brands, which include Mini, along with Rolls-Royce". What's happening in this case is not only an English issue. In fact, although every decision taken by the UK's people must be respected, the automakers are right when saying they hope it is not going to happen, as you hope no one changes the cards during the game. Image Credit: Nissan Government/Legal BMW Nissan brexit open road