Espinosa is the fourth person to lead Nissan since the arrest and subsequent escape of outspoken CEO Carlos Ghosn in 2018. Nissan said in a media statement overnight it has required a "significantly renewed leadership line-up to achieve the company's short- and mid-term objectives while positioning it for long-term growth".

Talks of a merger between Honda and Nissan could resume following Makoto Uchida's replacement as CEO by current Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa.

When news broke of official merger talks between Honda and Nissan came to light earlier this year, it seemed like there was relief on the horizon for the latter carmaker. It's no secret that the Yokohama,