Mike Whitfield: Nissan plans African manufacturing but cautious on EVs

In July, at its Rosslyn plant northwest of Pretoria, Nissan’s Navara pickup truck began to roll off the assembly line, the first model of its type by the company to be assembled in Africa for the African market. Its appearance is part of a strategy by the Japanese motor company, first articulated in 2020, to roll out several new models in Africa with a focus on SUV and cross-overs. The strategy, which will also focus on developing Africa’s manufacturing capacity, was backed by the 2020 establishment of Nissan’s Africa Regional Business Unit, led by managing director Mike Whitfield, who joins us to discuss the future of Nissan in the continent's automotive market.  Opportunities for Africa in electric vehicle market Is Tesla charging up for an Africa push?