Scandal of absent Ghosn hangs over Nissan at Tokyo auto show

The scandal of absent Ghosn hangs over Nissan at Tokyo auto show. Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president for Global Design for Nissan Motor Corp., speaks during Nissan's presentation of the media preview of the Tokyo Motor Show Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in Tokyo. Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president for Global Design for Nissan Motor Corp., speaks during Nissan's presentation of the media preview of the Tokyo Motor Show Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in Tokyo. 

Overshadowing the futuristic technology on display at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show is the downfall of Nissan’s former Chairman Carlos Ghosn. Ghosn was arrested on November 2018 and is awaiting trial on financial misconduct allegations. At a presentation to reporters Wednesday, two senior Nissan executives talked up two electric vehicles featured at Nissan Motor Co.’s booth. The company’s newly named chief executive did not make an appearance. Ghosn, who says he is innocent, had spearheaded the innovations during his two decades at the helm of the Japanese automaker. Since his arrest, Nissan has sunk into deep losses and its global vehicle sales have tumbled. Automakers are showcasing some of the industry’s upcoming mobility technology, including ecological fuel cells and personal transport that look like scooters at this year’s auto show.