New MD for Renault SA

Uchikoshi-san's move to SA is part of the Renault-Nissan alliance's ongoing strategy of international cross-pollination between the two companies at every level.

Uchikoshi-san completed a Master's Degree in physics at Keio University before joining Nissan Motor Company in 1991 as an engineer, working on semi-conductor devices for the automotive sector.

Following the alliance's establishment, he was transferred to project management and assumed the position of project economist, tasked to undertake economic assessments of various vehicle programmes. A senior management position in the programme director's office followed.

Uchikoshi-san said that he has had positive exposure to the Renault brand and culture over the past 13 years as a result of the alliance, and is looking forward to assuming his new role in SA.

A young, talented and dynamic team

"A company's most important assets are its people and I must congratulate Xavier Gobille on assembling such a young, talented and dynamic team, backed by a well-established network loyal to the brand.

"With such a team in place, I believe we are well positioned to further expand our business. The introduction of new models will, of course, serve to underscore this growth.

"Renault SA is a very customer-orientated company, as demonstrated by our long-standing 110 percent Commitment philosophy. I'm intent on further entrenching this philosophy amongst both our employees and the dealer network."

Uchikosh-san's message to his team is not to impress him, but to impress Renault's customers. "We have to work even harder to achieve even higher levels of customer satisfaction, be even more innovative, and provide customers with even more benefits. Our already high levels of quality and service must be exceeded and our people must become even more efficient and effective in the market."