The biggest car news and reviews, no BS
Our free daily newsletter sends the stories that really matter directly to you, every weekday.
Nissan’s future is up in the air right now. Whether it sinks or floats, I can’t help but believe the Japanese automaker’s next steps will be must-see TV. With new CEO Ivan Espinosa leading the way as a true car guy, we could see some stellar enthusiast models before his tenure is over. (The R36 GT-R is already sounding pretty sweet.) And with news of a key senior management change on Tuesday, we know that Matthew Weaver—lead exterior designer of the polarizing Nissan Juke—will take over as the brand’s corporate executive of global design in October.
Weaver will replace Alfonso Albaisa, who has been at Nissan for nearly 40 years and served in his current position since 2017. Albaisa himself has led some genuinely noteworthy projects, of course, with the current-gen Z standing out as the most prominent for many. In addition to having a hand in practically every Nissan design for a decade-plus, Albaisa penned the Infiniti Prototype 9 and 10, with the former dropping in the late 2010s with a 1940s-era Grand Prix style. Pretty neat, if you ask me.
As for the Juke, Weaver and Albaisa worked together to give us that spunky lil’ crossover. Whereas Weaver was responsible for styling the car’s exterior, with its bugeyes and relatively giant rear haunches, Albaisa provided oversight and championed the unusual design. People love it or hate it—I, for one, am in favor of the Juke—but no one can say it looks boring.
Arguably, that’s what Nissan needs now more than ever. It’s undergoing a major rework to restore its cheapened image.
Nissan www.thedrive.com
Don’t expect every new Nissan to look as radical as the Juke, but don’t be surprised if you see something extraordinary from the guy who brought it to you. Whether it’s a pavement-pounding performance car or a green-thinking EV, Weaver has shown that he’s not opposed to striking design.
Weaver will spearhead Nissan’s design efforts in an even greater capacity than before, with Albaisa serving as an advisor through December 31, 2026.
Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com
From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.
