Mike Disser’s Post

A quarter of a century… Today I celebrate 25 years of Renault Group. A few days ago, my youngest daughter asked me why I wanted to work at Renault. This unpretentious question took me by surprise and made me think. The passion for cars, the desire to “make it happen” and the desire to work in a multinational company made me want to work for Renault, I replied to her. She smiled and moved on with her homework. During these years I had the privilege of executing the company's strategies by implementing industrial systems aligned with the constant evolution of the competitive automotive market. Seeing an industrial process producing what customers will buy and use to live their own stories... I think it's incredible. On this journey, I experienced the multinational international environment I wanted, including expatriations... a sensational learning experience. As an engineer, what I didn't expect was the impact of people and relationships on this journey. I did nothing alone. With many people I aligned ideas, we changed ideas, I listened, I was heard, I learned and I contributed. For about 3 years now, I have been proud to prepare and propose the company's industrial strategy for the powertrain of electric cars. Once again, work done with many people and a lot of discussions to align the way to go for the next many years. At the end of the day, in this captivating and constantly evolving industry, industrial processes expire, new cars replace old ones, but the impact of people on people and lived experiences shape our journey, mine at least. The well-lived Twingo from 25 years ago that still circulates on the streets of Paris will see the arrival of a new, high-tech, electric one very soon... in 25 years, what will be the “Twingo” of the moment? It's difficult to predict, but one thing is certain, it will be done by people who will contribute with people to the result. If I'm still here, I'll tell you about it in the half-century post. 😉

There’s lots of exciting developments ahead in the EV space, Not only for Mercedes-Benz, but for smart as well

As the saying “The most inspiring competitors are those who show us new possibilities and challenge us to continually evolve” This genius, funny yet heart-touching ad by BMW celebrates the power of competition to push boundaries, inspire creativity, and help businesss reach new heights together. Rather than focusing on rivalry, if one believe that when we uplift and learn from each other, the whole industry thrives. Background of this ad content : Zetsche wanted to drive BMWs all along, but couldn’t because he worked for Mercedes. In other words BMW honors the former Daimler CEO by showing him driving off in BMW i8 Roadster, a car which was developed by keeping standards high and rival companies on their toes. (Inspired by Benz’s standards set by zetsche during his tenure at Mercedes) #GrowThroughCompetition #IndustyExcellence #InspireInnovateElevate #HealthyCompetition

Okay everyone, you can breathe a sigh of relief, this one's nice and light! 😊 Did you know that the number-one show on television, globally, for so many years running (2006-2015) was Top Gear UK? It never aired in the US and you've probably never even heard of it! 😂 Meanwhile, did you know that, since 2000, the Ford F-150 trades punches with cars such as the Toyota Corolla for the number-one best-selling car in the WORLD? And, it's only sold in the US!!! That's how much we love our TRUUUUUUCKS here. 😄 Additionally, in 2011, the Top Gear audience voted none other than Ford as the number one manufacturer of "exciting vehicles" in the world. You know, Ford has a European division—they designed the Ford Focus and Fiesta. We in America tend to think that we ARE the world and we tend to assume that we are always the trend-setter for everything everywhere, and we are just the best best best at everything! Not so! Lot of people out there. Asia's already taken over, far surpassing the West, not only in people but also economically. Remember, India is in Asia as well. 🌏 BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Probably about time to pass the torch. Just is what it is, folks. 😁 Cheers, be well! Happy Thursday; let's round out this week strong! 💪

What makes a career at a BMW dealership so appealing for technicians? For so many, it’s about passion. Technicians at BMW often have a love for these luxurious, sporty cars and getting to maintain and fix them up every day is their favorite part. The same goes for Mel Mayuga, VP of Aftersales at McKenna BMW and a FastTrack graduate. To him, there aren’t many better brands out there you’d want to pursue a career with. Check out his perspective on BMW how to get training to become a tech in this video. #CareerGoals #BMWLife

Heyy Mercedes - Play " Benz I know remix "😎 Free at Last !! Keep my L7O , darling 😊 Signing off from Mahindra Automotive with a bag full of learnings and exposures. On to my next mission is all about exploring your wide open future. Bidding farewell, handing over company ID card … Stepping into a Mercedes , ready to head 🏠… And there it is a striking blue car 🚙….waiting to whisk me away :) Driving away in the busy streets back home , I say to myself " Its not the short span spent in company that matters to me — its the impact & making a difference together " This journey of me driving away with a Mercedes on last day amplifies that behind corporate logo and vehicles, there are individuals who appreciate good leadership, innovation and success— even when its found in a competitor .This guester re defined essence of competition, shaping it into a respectful rivalry that motivates the pursuit of excellence, rather than a bitter contest. It serves as a reminder that while competition drives innovation…collaboration can broaden perspectives and foster mutual growth in the evolving landscape of automotive industry. #lastday #cherishablememories #ontowhatsnext #makeadifferenceleaveatrial #impact #automotiveleadership

Today is the day.... ☀️ Automotive world is fast and stressful and extremely competitive. You wrapped up the month. No matter the outcome, 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧.. To take it easy. Ask your co-workers how are they doing and wait for the answer, listen and acknowledge.. No matter, how month ended, We`re all lined up at point 0 and starting our journey from ground up AGAIN. 🔂 I wish you all refreshing, exciting month, filled with success stories 🙌 #Automotive #Automotiveworld #Cars #NewMonth #Newbeginnings

After 46 years 6.5 yrs in Ford & 39.5 yrs in Nissan half as GM/Dir , i have finally retired . I’ve always enjoyed my work - the challenges, the sudden unpredictability, the improbability, the human interactions, the Industry. I’ve met thousands of people in Nissan & also in suppliers/organisations from whom I’ve learned lessons I’ll never forget, & which have made me what I am ... & what I will become in old age!  Work for me was never a chore or really stressful-it was something I looked forward to each day to an extent that it often felt like being paid to « play with my friends » & that's a result of a challenging interesting environment, very good bosses giving me freedom to manage in my way without too much interference, & especially some brilliant colleagues who were a pleasure to work with & who delivered with panache what we had to do as a team - we NEVER missed an objective! Recent visits around Nissan have reminded me of the importance of cooperation & mutual respect no matter what background we come from & of the absolute vitality of real teamwork. Teamwork for me is not a theory, but is simply people working collectively on something for the benefit of the company without blaming others & without searching /being concerned about who gets credit for success ! - I have loved my nearly 40 years in Nissan. I have lived thru NMUK purchase to Nissan Europe pre Renault Alliance integration , RNPO, APO and now AMIEO purchase. In each step I have met some wonderful people , some real icons to me. I really believe as a Purchase Function our direct daily life with external business reality, the daily uncertainty , the intellectual challenges , the face to face real discussions with people & businesses gives us an unparalleled awareness of the real world so it’s no surprise many of our COO/CEO`s come from that Purchase/Monozukuri background. I have made an enormous number of friends & acquaintances across the globe, and in some cases developed real close friendships which are timeless & will remain for all my life. I will now retire in France living between our home in Quimper (Brittany) & Paris. I have many things to do:- a)I love listening to Music on good hifi ,going to concerts etc .But now Claudine has bought me a 2005 Gibson Les Paul electric guitar + Marshall 100W amp (same as Jimi Hendrix) so I can make a really loud noise but not yet music ! b)I really do want to re-connect with old friends that I have been too busy/undisciplined to keep close to in the past (some of you may be reading this, so sorry !) c)Improve my Spanish language & Play some Golf …. But means replacing my1990`s era golf clubs!!  d) Improve my DIY/ gardening skills e) After all that, I might offer to local charities / local Council any voluntary help or support I might be able to give after a lifetime in business – I need to keep busy & active ! Finally to all of you, Good Health & Good Luck in both your Professional & private lives.    Geoff 

Morning musings. I’ve been to a number of EV- and EV- related events this year including Everything Electric (All three shows), The London EV Show, EV Live at Blenheim Palace, etc. These are prime opportunities for OEMs (vehicle manufacturers) to get their cars out in front of the public and get them doing test drives and answering questions. I recall seeing Polestar at these events. I recall seeing MG at these events. I recall seeing BYD at these events. I recall seeing the Korean manufacturers at these events. I don’t recall seeing Stellantis at any of these events. I don’t recall seeing BMW at these events. I don’t recall seeing Ford at these events (apart from one or two and I’m not even sure whether this was the OEM or a dealership). Now my memory isn’t what it used to be and I may be mistaken here. (Feel free to correct me, please) In an unrelated topic: how about those OEMs that are struggling to meet the EV mandate, eh? Stellantis, Ford, etc. Dan Caesar Ade Thomas

🚗 No more company car for me! After three decades of steering through the slow and the fast lane, today marks a significant shift as I decided not to take another company car and gave back my last one. 🌟 I've had the privilege of being accompanied by a succession of company cars since 1994 that were more than mere means of transportation—they were silent companions through countless meetings, endless phone calls in traffic jams, great trips with the family throughout Europe, and much more. 🔙 And yes, I am emotional and nostalgic about it, as all these cars were important to me at their time. From the humble yet sprightly Renault Twingo – two-seated to get a fiscal advantage in Paris - , which kicked off our journey in 1994, to the state-of-the-art electric Porsche Taycan that I bid farewell to today, each car has been a testament to the era it represented. They've witnessed the changing landscapes of both roads and business, adapting to the pace of innovation and the shifts towards sustainability. 🤔 One thing I noted, which makes me sad, is that the size, the weight, and thus the consumption did increase over time. Which is basically the contrary of technological progress. Any preference in the (funny) list? #CareerJourney #EndOfAnEra #Sustainability #AutomotiveInnovation