NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan North America has promoted Sonia Rief to the role of vice president, Program Management Office Vehicle Connected Services. Rief is currently director, Regional Vehicle Program Management at the Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
“Sonia brings 20 years of strong automotive experience to this role, and she is the ideal person to lead the North American region’s efforts to manage vehicle line profitability and accelerate our connected services business,” according to Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration. “Sonia is often recognized as one of the leading women within the automotive industry, and we are excited to add her perspective and extensive expertise to our executive leadership team.”
Rief joined Nissan in 2001, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility within the Research and Development function, including a one-year assignment in Japan supporting the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Most recently, she was responsible for regional program management for mid-size sedans, and compact and mid-size SUVs.
Rief replaces Tom Smith, who was recently named program director for D-platform vehicles at Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., in Yokohama, Japan.
These management changes are part of Nissan’s efforts in North America as the company focuses on the key pillars of its “M.O.V.E. to 2022” midterm business plan. The mission of the six-year plan is to achieve sustainable growth and to lead the technology and business evolution of the automotive industry.
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 annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. 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 U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and infinitinews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia Oceania; Africa, the Middle East India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance sold 10.76 million vehicles combined in calendar year 2018.
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Media Contact
Brian Brockman
Nissan Corporate Communications
615-725-1147
brian.brockman@nissan-usa.com