Typical SoCal traffic snared all of us but not enough to miss any event (though one photographer missed breakfast).
Keynote speaker is Carlos Ghosn, president & CEO of Renault-Nissan. After covering the difficulties sweeping the automotive industry -- heck, the global economy in general -- he launched into Nissan's GT12 project. Aiming to bring zero emission vehicles to the masses by 2012, Ghosn covered Nissan's various projects: its own battery company; working with governments and private companies to build recharge infrastructures (e.g., state of Oregon); all the while maintaining Nissan's committment to attractive, high-performing vehicles.
Onward.
First major press conference was, interestingly, by Nissan. Shiro Nakamura, the automaker's senior vice president of design, introduced the all-new Nissan Cube. Scheduled to go on sale in Spring 2009, the Scion competitor drew strong reaction from the press. My thoughts to follow.
A feeling approach awe and lust rippled through the crowd when Al Castignetti, vice president of sales, drove out the all-new 2009 Nissan 370z. The sports coupe, which goes on sale in January 2009, caused pleased surprise when its price -- $29,930, was announced.
The Nissan Versa rounded out the presentation.