DETROIT – The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Foundation recognized Nissan Chief Performance Officer José Muñoz with its "Industry Leader Award" at the organization's 2018 Annual Celebration. The SAE Foundation honored Muñoz for achieving success in his career focused on disciplines related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and demonstrating how to be an innovative risk taker who continuously challenges the mobility industry.
For 21 years, the SAE Foundation's Annual Celebration has honored leaders who are making a meaningful impact in the industry and raised funds to equip teachers and students with high-quality, research-based STEM education.
The event, held on May 24 at the historic Detroit Masonic Temple, brought together more than 300 guests, including top auto industry executives, students, educators and volunteers, raising nearly $300,000. To date, this annual gathering has raised more $6 million to support SAE's STEM education programs.
In 2007, Nissan announced a contribution to the SAE Foundation for the development of SAE's A World In Motion® (AWIM) primary learning materials. These cutting-edge STEM education activities were launched in 2012 and are the most highly acclaimed and sought-after STEM programs in grades K-3. Nissan continues to support AWIM in classrooms in various Nissan communities including Michigan, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Over the years, Nissan has contributed more than $2.5 million to support the SAE Foundation's work.
"Nissan is committed to giving back to the communities where we operate, and making STEM education more accessible has long been a priority in our philanthropic efforts," Muñoz said in his remarks. "From sponsoring robotics competitions to supporting programs that encourage girls to consider finance careers, we want to engage more students in pursuing STEM careers."
Muñoz also acknowledged the positive impact that a STEM education has had on his own life and career.
"I know firsthand what a powerful difference a STEM education can make," Muñoz said. "I was fortunate to have the chance to pursue my strong interest in the sciences – and engineering, in particular. I want to ensure that more young people have access to the same educational opportunities I benefitted from as a student."
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is today the world's largest automotive partnership, with combined sales of more than 10.6 million vehicles in calendar year 2017.
Contact
Brin Frazier
Director, Executive & Strategic Communications
+1-240-381-7278
brin.frazier@nissan-usa.com
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