Dec. 12, 2025 | The week’s top stories and Nissan’s Christian Meunier talks dealerships, sales, product, more
About this episode
Christian Meunier, Nissan's Chairman of the Americas, shares insights on the merger of Nissan and Infiniti dealerships, sales strategies, and upcoming product launches. He discusses the challenges facing Canadian dealers, particularly regarding EV sales and necessary upgrades. The conversation highlights the importance of leasing strategies and the impact of tariffs on pricing. Meunier expresses optimism about new models like the QX65 and hybrid e-power vehicles, emphasizing the need for Nissan to re-engage dealers and boost car sales. The episode also touches on potential regulatory changes that could open the Canadian market to more affordable vehicles.
GM preps CAMI payout; dealers spend big on EVs; 2026 EV pricing. Plus, Nissan Chairman of the Americas Christian Meunier on dealer relations, the merger of Infiniti and Nissan brands under single rooftops, sales projections, new product and more.
electric vehicle
"In retail news, Canadian dealers have poured millions of dollars into store upgrades to get them ready to sell electric vehicles. So far, there hasn't been a return on that investment."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline, so it doesn't emit exhaust gases.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered primarily or solely by electricity stored in batteries, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
dealer investment in EV infrastructure
"In retail news, Canadian dealers have poured millions of dollars into store upgrades to get them ready to sell electric vehicles. So far, there hasn't been a return on that investment."
Dealers are putting a lot of money into new tools and stations so they can sell electric cars, showing that the market is moving toward vehicles that run on electricity.
Dealers are spending large sums on equipment and upgrades—such as chargers, hoists, and battery tables—to prepare for selling electric vehicles, reflecting the industry's shift toward EVs.
heavy duty hoists
"Dealers are required in some cases to buy EV chargers, heavy duty hoists, battery tables, even forklifts says Zancon Automotive Group executive director Laura Zancon about EV spending."
Heavy duty hoists are big machines that lift cars or big parts so dealers can move them easily.
Heavy duty hoists are large lifting machines used in dealerships to move heavy vehicles or parts, often mounted on trailers or trucks.
EV chargers
"Dealers are required in some cases to buy EV chargers, heavy duty hoists, battery tables, even forklifts says Zancon Automotive Group executive director Laura Zancon about EV spending."
EV chargers are the devices you plug your electric car into to give it more power so it can keep driving.
Electric vehicle chargers are the charging stations that supply power to plug‑in electric cars, allowing drivers to recharge their batteries at home or in public locations.
battery tables
"Dealers are required in some cases to buy EV chargers, heavy duty hoists, battery tables, even forklifts says Zancon Automotive Group executive director Laura Zancon about EV spending."
Battery tables are sturdy work surfaces where technicians can safely hold and check the big batteries that power electric cars.
Battery tables are specialized workbenches designed to hold and support electric vehicle battery packs during maintenance or inspection.
Nissan
"[297.0s] Nissan sales are up. Infinity sales continue to be in a bit of a slump."
Nissan is a big car company from Japan that makes many different kinds of cars, like small city cars and large SUVs.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is a Japanese automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs and commercial trucks.
Infiniti QX 65
"[312.0s] I think on the infinity side we have QX 65, which is going to be obviously another component of our growth."
The QX 65 is a big, fancy SUV from Infiniti that will start being made in 2026. It’s meant for people who want a roomy, comfortable ride with lots of tech.
The Infiniti QX 65 is a large luxury crossover SUV that was announced for production in 2026, featuring premium interiors and advanced technology.
Infiniti QX 50
"[326.0s] We've got another car coming in 27. I think we alluded to today. We have QX 50, which I think is going to be super, super important."
The QX 50 is a smaller, upscale SUV from Infiniti that will start being made in 2027. It’s designed to be efficient and tech‑savvy.
The Infiniti QX 50 is a compact luxury crossover SUV slated for release in 2027, targeting the growing C‑segment market with a focus on efficiency and technology.
hybrid e-power
"[335.0s] C segment SUV, largest segment in North America in Canada and US with hybrid e‑power is going to be the game changer."
Hybrid e‑power means the car uses both a regular gasoline engine and electric motors to help it run better and use less gas.
Hybrid e‑power refers to a powertrain that combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors and batteries, providing improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
C segment SUV
"[335.0s] C segment SUV, largest segment in North America in Canada and US with hybrid e‑power is going to be the game changer."
C‑segment SUVs are medium‑sized crossovers that are bigger than small cars but smaller than full‑size SUVs. They’re popular because they offer a good mix of room, fuel savings, and affordability.
The C‑segment SUV is a class of compact crossover vehicles that sit between subcompact and mid‑size SUVs, popular for their balance of space, fuel economy, and price.
Infinity business model
"[348.0s] I think that's really when I think that the infinity business model is going to start changing."
Infinity’s business model is how they plan to sell and support their cars, like where the dealers are, how much they charge, and what kind of service customers get.
The Infinity business model refers to Infiniti’s strategy for selling and servicing its luxury vehicles, including dealership structure, pricing, and customer experience.
leasing
"I shift the discussion a bit to talk about leasing and financing. So leasing in Canada specifically is picking up steam."
Leasing means you pay a little each month to drive a car, and when the lease ends you can return it or buy it. It’s like renting a car for a long time.
Leasing is a way to use a vehicle for a set period, paying monthly fees instead of buying it outright. The lessee typically returns the car at the end of the lease term.
APR
"The long term APR as well, because people have a problem buying a car today. The affordability is not there anymore."
APR is the yearly cost you pay to borrow money for a car. It shows how much extra you’ll pay on top of the price.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the yearly cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. It includes interest and certain fees.
residual value
"And I think the leasing strategy relies on what? Realize on our ability to provide a product with a good residual value too."
Residual value is how much a car is expected to be worth when you finish your lease or loan. A higher residual value can lower your monthly payments.
Residual value is the estimated worth of a vehicle at the end of its lease or loan term. It affects monthly payments and the vehicle’s depreciation.
daily rentals
"So we need to make sure that we do the right thing to protect residual, meaning we don't want to do too many daily rentals who want the product to have the right level of equipment."
Daily rentals are when people rent a car for just one day, like using a rental service or sharing a car. It can make the car wear out faster.
Daily rentals refer to short-term vehicle usage, such as car-sharing or rental services that operate on a per-day basis. High daily rentals can affect vehicle wear and residual value.
spec
"So we need to make sure that we put the right spec in the cars, let the customers want and are willing to pay for."
Spec means the list of features and options a car has, like whether it has leather seats or a sunroof. It tells you what the car can do.
Spec, short for specification, refers to the set of features, options, and performance characteristics that define a particular vehicle configuration.
Toyota Pathfinder
"Customers that need a three-row pathfinder, they're not going to buy a centra."
The Pathfinder is a Toyota SUV that can seat three rows of passengers, making it good for families or groups who need extra space.
The Toyota Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that has been produced in various generations since the 1990s. It’s known for its spacious three‑row seating and family‑friendly features.
Chevrolet Centra
"Customers that need a three-row pathfinder, they're not going to buy a centra."
The Centra is a small Chevrolet car that was popular in the 1990s for being cheap and easy to drive.
The Chevrolet Centra is a compact car that was sold primarily in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was known for its affordability and practicality.
EV mandate
"And in the US, also in Canada, I think the EV mandate, the EV Zev mandate, it's been very, very challenging."
It means the government is telling car makers they must make more electric cars, like those that run on batteries instead of gasoline.
An EV mandate is a government policy that requires automakers to produce or sell a certain percentage of electric vehicles within a specified timeframe.
hybrid vehicle segment
"Which models do you think will resonate most with consumers and how does Nissan compete in the hybrid vehicle segment, we're coming in so late in the game."
It’s the group of cars that use both a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor to save gas and help the environment.
The hybrid vehicle segment refers to cars that combine an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
PHEV
"We have the rogue PHEV, which is going to be another tool in our arsenal."
PHEV means the car can plug in to charge its batteries, letting you drive on electric power for a while before it uses gasoline like a regular car.
PHEV stands for Plug‑In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, a car that uses both an internal combustion engine and rechargeable batteries to power electric motors. It can drive short distances on electricity alone before switching to gasoline.
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