Datsun brand set to go as Nissan rolls back Ghosn's expansionist strategy

Production closures set to hit emerging markets hard

Nissan Motor is likely to axe its Datsun brand, drop some unprofitable products and close a number of assembly lines worldwide as it seeks to boost profits by getting smaller, two company sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. Known internally as ‘performance recovery’ plan, the proposed steps mark a sharp break with Nissan’s strategy under ousted leader Carlos Ghosn, who pursued ambitious vehicle sales targets in the US and other major markets.

The plan is the firm’s latest attempt to pull itself out of crisis after Ghosn was arrested for financial misconduct — charges he denies. The scandal has