- Expertise: Powertrain development
- Location: Barcelona
- Languages spoken: English
- DOB: April 1969
Who is Matthew Wright?
Matthew is responsible for the development and confirmation of new powertrains in Europe including Russia, and South America. He supports new model introduction and the life cycle development of vehicles. Additionally, a lot of Matthew's work today is focused on CO2 emissions and CAFE regulations and ensuring Nissan's powertrains comply with these. Matthew also leads Barcelona office as a function that includes vehicle development and vehicle test confirmation.
Career History
Joining Nissan as a graduate in 1991, Matthew has spent his entire career with the brand. Starting in Cranfield at Nissan's Technical Centre for Europe (NTCE), he worked on engine component parts before being promoted in 1998 to Senior Engineer. In 2002, Matthew relocated to Japan to join a team working on one of the first Renault-Nissan Alliance engines. He returned to the UK in 2003 to work on Nissan's petrol engine development, and in 2008 Matthew moved to Barcelona taking responsibility for powertrain project development. His next role was as Overseas Chief Powertrain Engineer for diesel and petrol powertrains and following a move back to the UK in 2015, Matthew took on the responsibility of powertrain project development at NTCE. During this time, he also led Nissan's European CO2 committee and a Cross-Functional Team responsible for investment and complexity optimisation. In 2018, Matthew returned to Japan to work as the Chief Powertrain Engineer on the development of an Alliance petrol engine before returning to Barcelona in 2019 to take on his current role.
Achievements
Supporting the establishment of Nissan's European CO2 committee is a big achievement for Matthew, set-up to ensure the company's vehicles have a competitive CO2 achievement level. He was also the first non-Japanese employee to take on the role of Chief Powertrain Engineer in Japan for Alliance engines and is very proud of his closework with Renault during this time. Matthew also had full responsibility for Alliance diesel engines in Barcelona between 2008-2015 and is delighted with the success of this project.
Personal Memory
The launch of the current Qashqai is a stand-out moment for Matthew during his time with Nissan, citing the Barcelona team's great job on the diesel engine development and the packaging of the powertrain in the vehicle. He was also delighted that the press acknowledged the vehicle for achieving great performance, and excellent fuel consumption.
Why is Nissan different?
Matthew believes Nissan sets itself apart from other big brands because of the teamwork mentality of all its employees. While the company consists of teams that can face language barriers and must work across different countries and time zones, everyone takes an open-minded approach and works together to problem solve. Matthew thinks this is testament to the type of people that work at Nissan and forms the foundation of the building of relationships and good communication within the company.
Future Predictions
Matthew believes that as battery technology improves, we will see a powertrain shift and the uptake of full electric vehicles will increase. He thinks that Nissan's e-POWER technology is a great hybrid concept that brings drivers closer to this EV driving experience without the range anxiety, and he expects to see full electric powertrains advance significantly in the near future.
Education
- 1987 – 1991: Hull University, Engineering Design and Manufacture
- Chartered engineer with ImechE
In Matthew's Personal Time
In his personal time, Matthew likes to go mountain biking and skiing. He also enjoys travelling and spending time with his wife and three kids.
Your current car
Matthew currently drives a 370Z NISMO in red.
Your first car
Matthew's first car was a Vauxhall Viva, called Vern.
