Nissan Names Kunio Nakaguro Head of North American Research and Development

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan today named Kunio Nakaguro senior vice president, Research & Development (R&D), Nissan North America, effective Feb. 1, 2014. Nakaguro is currently corporate vice president, Research Center, Nissan Motor Co., and will retain those responsibilities in his new role. He succeeds Carla Bailo, who is retiring after 25 years with Nissan. Nakaguro will be based at Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Mich.

Bailo joined Nissan in 1989, quickly establishing herself as a talented leader in vehicle engineering and vehicle program management. She served as associate chief vehicle engineer on the Nissan Sentra and Nissan Quest in the U.S. Prior to taking her current role, Bailo was on assignment at Nissan's global headquarters in Japan as recovery program director through the financial crisis and supported measures to offset economic business plan financial risks during fiscal year 2009. She also was vehicle program director with responsibility for the profitability and product presence of Nissan's SUVs worldwide.

"Carla's talents are among the best in the industry, and she was instrumental in establishing departments and processes that improved the efficiency of Nissan's R&D functions," said Jose Munoz, Nissan executive vice president and chairman, North America Region. "As we wish Carla the best in her retirement, we welcome Nakaguro-san, who brings R&D experience from several regions, including five years at NTCNA."

Nakaguro joined Nissan in 1987 and has held positions in engineering and product development. From 2004-2008, Nakaguro was a director at NTCNA. From 2009, he was senior vice president in charge of R&D and Total Customer Satisfaction at Nissan Technical Center - Europe. Nakaguro has a degree from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University in Japan.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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