Last February 14, 2014, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. announced an outline of its motorsports activities for 2014. It includes: entry in the Le Mans 24 Hours (Garage 56) with the world’s fastest electric-powered car, the NISSAN ZEOD RC, participation in the GT500 class of the new 2014 SUPER GT series with the NISSAN GT-R NISMO GT500, global support with NISSAN GT-R NISMO GT3 for customer racing and expansion of the Nismo Athlete program.
With the “new” Nissan Philippines launching its official operations in barely two weeks, will global Nissan’s active engagement in motorsports halo locally?
In particular, it would be exciting if Nissan Philippines adapt a local version of the Nismo/Nissan Global Driver Development Program if they really want to rebuild the image of Nissan. This will also bring Nissan back in the motorsports scene in the country, which is currently being dominated by Honda and Toyota. Chevrolet and Hyundai became active in motorsports which greatly helped in rebuilding their brand.
In its commitment to nurture and promote young drivers, the Nismo Global Driver Exchange started in 2013. This year, the program takes a dramatic step forward with full season exchanges for two Nismo drivers. Inaugural Nissan GT Academy winner Lucas Ordonez will race in the home of PlayStation as he participates in SUPER GT’s GT300 class, while NDDP participant Katsumasa Chiyo will contest the entire Blancpain Endurance Series. In addition, selected Nismo athletes will participate in the new TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in the United States.
What do you think, Kapuso? Do you agree that motorsports will be a vital strategic activity to uplift the Nissan brand image in the Philippines?
