--- title: "Nissan Wants To Be Exciting Again. Here’s the Plan" description: "[Nissan's]() in a tough spot. There's a strong enthusiast community that rallies around the brand and heritage, but while the love might be strong the flame has been weak as of late with quite the bleak situation and product lineup.…" date: "2026-04-22" modified: "2026-04-22" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/podcast/nissan-wants-to-be-exciting-again-heres-the-plan" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" - "Podcasts" --- # Nissan Wants To Be Exciting Again. Here’s the Plan ![The Drivecast Ep. 13 Hero]() [Nissan's]() in a tough spot. There's a strong enthusiast community that rallies around the brand and heritage, but while the love might be strong the flame has been weak as of late with quite the bleak situation and product lineup. But just over a year into the job Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa [told *The Drive* to tell enthusiasts]() a simple message,"Nissan is back." Big claims, but the man in charge of the historic automaker's wasting no time and already [laid out a huge turnaround plan](). In Yokohama, Japan, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for [Nissan]() North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, exclusively sat down with *The Drive* for a one-on-one discussion on the latest episode of *The Drivecast*. Pandikuthira revealed a new department is being put together to [put heritage parts and restomod kits into production](), a [JDM conversion kit]() will be offered in the U.S. for the [upcoming Infiniti Q50]() to make it truly the [Nissan Skyline](), a [600-plus-horsepower QX80]() will be arriving at dealers later this year, discusses [upcoming Xterra revival](), a family of frame-based SUVs and truck, and more. The latest episode of *[The Drivecast]()* goes behind the curtain and inside Nissan's executive team, which is now stacked with automotive enthusiasts that want to [bring back the Silvia and a sports car lineup](), [what's coming]() for the [Z and what's working currently](), and of course addresses the fact the [GT-R is currently sleeping]() (note: not dead), again. First day here? *The Drivecast* is *The Drive*'s weekly podcast with episodes arriving on Wednesdays. Each week *The Drivecast* takes you behind-the-scenes on the biggest stories, controversies, and characters shaping the automotive industry and the way our roads look today. Powered by *The Drive*'s inside access and original reporting, exclusives, and insights, *The Drivecast* aims to make it so everyone's an insider. You can listen to the latest and previous episodes of *The Drivecast* on [Spotify](), [Apple Podcasts](), or [Amazon Music](). Love what you hear? Hit us with a five-star review to help get *The Drivecast* in front of more people. Have a suggestion, request, or feedback? Drop us a line at feedback@thedrive.com. We read every email. ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()