Questions loom for Nissan with former chairman Ghosn gone

TOKYO (AP) — Nissan is seeing sales and profits tumble, as its once revered former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, awaits trial on charges of financial misconduct.

Nissan Motor Co. says it is beefing up corporate governance and sticking with its alliance with French partner Renault SA and smaller Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. That's critical to getting sales back on track, analysts say. But the way forward is clouded by questions about setting strategy without a visionary Ghosn there to guide it.

Some issues critical for Nissan's future:

WHO'S IN CHARGE?

Nissan veteran Hiroto Saikawa took over as CEO in 2017. But Ghosn remained chairman until he was dismissed after his Nov. 19 arrest. Saikawa has said an internal investigation found Ghosn amassed too much power and engaged in unprofessional and unethical dealings. Ghosn says several Japanese executives at Nissan plotted against him in what he calls "a conspiracy."

Regardless of the blame game, the maker of the March subcompact, Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models got approval at a shareholders meeting in early April to appoint Renault's new chairman Jean-Dominique Senard as chairman to succeed Ghosn. It's unclear who is making calls on strategically vital decisions, such as where to make certain model vehicles.

"Mr. Saikawa may have been overseeing the day-to-day operations, but all the big decision-making lay with Mr. Ghosn," said Koji Endo, auto analyst with SBI Securities Co. in Tokyo.

The scandal remains a distraction and several Nissan executives, including Saikawa, have been called in for questioning by prosecutors. The CEO has dodged calls for his resignation, saying getting the automaker back on track is his priority.

Ghosn's detractors say his main contribution to Nissan's revival was cutting...