Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In Episode #243 of Cars & Culture, host Jason Stein sits down with Christian Meunier, Chairman of @Nissan Americas, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of @Nissan, the realities of EV adoption, and how one of the world’s most recognized automotive brands plans to regain its edge.
After returning to @Nissan following leadership roles at Jeep and Infiniti, Meunier is focused on restoring the company’s “fighting spirit,” rebuilding brand identity, and bringing products back to the DNA that made Nissan successful: exciting design, strong value, and Japanese durability.
Meunier also shares his candid perspective on the current state of the auto industry—from EV affordability and hybrid technology to the rise of Chinese automakers and the increasing importance of cost competitiveness.
The conversation also explores Nissan’s upcoming product strategy, including hybrid e-Power technology, the next-generation Rogue, and the highly anticipated return of the Xterra.
For anyone interested in the future of the automotive industry, brand leadership, and global competition, this episode offers an inside look at how @Nissan is navigating one of the most transformative periods in automotive history.
In this episode:
- Why @Nissan is rebuilding its brand around excitement, affordability, and durability
- The reality of EV adoption and why hybrids may be the bridge to electrification
- Nissan’s strategy for competing with Chinese automakers
- The return of iconic products like the Xterra
- Lessons Meunier learned leading Jeep and Infiniti
- Why affordability is becoming one of the biggest challenges in the auto industry
Cars & Culture with Jason Stein explores the personalities, leadership stories, and cultural forces shaping the global automotive industry.
Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders driving the future of mobility.
0:00 Intro
1:59 Nissan’s Lost Fighting Spirit and the Turnaround Plan
7:16 What Meunier Learned Leading Jeep
9:05 Redefining Nissan’s Brand Identity
14:10 Nissan’s Hybrid e-Power Strategy
15:36 EV Affordability and the Reality of Electrification
22:44 Growing Up a Car Enthusiast in France
30:32 The Rising Threat of Chinese Automakers
35:27 Cutting $1B in Costs and Rebuilding Nissan’s Business
39:59 Leadership Advice: Momentum and Problem Solving
In Episode #243 of Cars & Culture, host Jason Stein sits down with Christian Meunier, Chairman of @Nissan Americas, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of @Nissan, the realities of EV adoption, and how one of the world’s most recognized automotive brands plans to regain its edge.
After returning to @Nissan following leadership roles at Jeep and Infiniti, Meunier is focused on restoring the company’s “fighting spirit,” rebuilding brand identity, and bringing products back to the DNA that made Nissan successful: exciting design, strong value, and Japanese durability.
Meunier also shares his candid perspective on the current state of the auto industry—from EV affordability and hybrid technology to the rise of Chinese automakers and the increasing importance of cost competitiveness.
The conversation also explores Nissan’s upcoming product strategy, including hybrid e-Power technology, the next-generation Rogue, and the highly anticipated return of the Xterra.
For anyone interested in the future of the automotive industry, brand leadership, and global competition, this episode offers an inside look at how @Nissan is navigating one of the most transformative periods in automotive history.
In this episode:
- Why @Nissan is rebuilding its brand around excitement, affordability, and durability
- The reality of EV adoption and why hybrids may be the bridge to electrification
- Nissan’s strategy for competing with Chinese automakers
- The return of iconic products like the Xterra
- Lessons Meunier learned leading Jeep and Infiniti
- Why affordability is becoming one of the biggest challenges in the auto industry
Cars & Culture with Jason Stein explores the personalities, leadership stories, and cultural forces shaping the global automotive industry.
Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders driving the future of mobility.
0:00 Intro
1:59 Nissan’s Lost Fighting Spirit and the Turnaround Plan
7:16 What Meunier Learned Leading Jeep
9:05 Redefining Nissan’s Brand Identity
14:10 Nissan’s Hybrid e-Power Strategy
15:36 EV Affordability and the Reality of Electrification
22:44 Growing Up a Car Enthusiast in France
30:32 The Rising Threat of Chinese Automakers
35:27 Cutting $1B in Costs and Rebuilding Nissan’s Business
39:59 Leadership Advice: Momentum and Problem Solving
