Nissan’s Senior Vice-President Honored for Engineering Work on the Nissan Qashqai
David Moss, Nissan’s senior vice-president in charge of R&D for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania, has been recognized for his invaluable work in creating and nurturing the British-built Nissan Qashqai. Moss, who has been with Nissan for 34 years, played a significant role in the development of the pioneering SUV, which has now surpassed four million units in production across three generations since its launch in 2007. The Qashqai is set to enter its fourth generation in 2027 as a pure electric vehicle.
Moss’s journey with Nissan began when he joined as a graduate engineer in 1990. He was drawn to the company because of its commitment to producing ground-up cars outside of Japan, exemplified by the opening of the Cranfield Technical Centre Europe. Throughout his career, Moss has demonstrated both loyalty and ability, which are highly valued by Nissan. His expertise in aerodynamics led him to choose a career in cars, and he has since made significant contributions to the company’s engineering and design efforts.
One of Moss’s notable achievements was his involvement in the cockpit module of the first Qashqai, where he utilized his creativity and body-building knowledge to develop the seven-seat Qashqai+2. This variant, with a lengthened body and higher roof, was ahead of its time in the seven-seat SUV market. Moss’s leadership continued to grow as he took charge of body, interior, and exterior engineering for all UK-made Nissans.
The second-generation Qashqai, launched in 2014, saw further enhancements based on customer feedback. Moss and his team focused on incorporating convenience features while resisting the trend of increasing the vehicle’s size. Despite competition from Korean automakers that were growing their models, the second-generation Qashqai experienced accelerated sales. However, Nissan was already looking ahead to the third-generation model.
In 2017, Moss was promoted to chief vehicle engineer for Europe and tasked with adapting an all-new platform for the upcoming Qashqai designs. The third-generation Qashqai, launched in 2021, showcased Nissan’s novel e-Power hybrid system. This innovative technology combines an ultra-efficient petrol engine with electric power to drive the wheels, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The Qashqai’s success continued, with the model becoming the best-selling car in the UK in 2022. However, Moss notes that the majority of production is exported to the European continent, highlighting the vehicle’s popularity in other markets. As Nissan prepares for the future, Moss is already working on the transition to an all-electric powertrain for the Qashqai, set to be introduced by 2028.
At 58 years old, Moss is currently the longest-serving Nissan employee in his senior engineering VP position. He recognizes that the automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and customer demands shaping the future of car development. Moss embraces the fast-paced nature of his role and enjoys being at the forefront of innovation within Nissan.
In summary, David Moss’s contributions to Nissan’s engineering and design efforts, particularly his work on the Nissan Qashqai, have been recognized and honored. His long-standing commitment to the company and his ability to adapt to changing market demands have solidified his position as a key figure in Nissan’s success. As he continues his career, Moss remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and staying ahead of the curve in the automotive industry.