Ghosn for the Summer.(Column)

Byline: Richard S. Chang

One of the colorful byproducts of the whole GM meltdown has been getting to see and hear a lot more of Carlos Ghosn-because that's what we need this summer, more Carlos Ghosn.

Don't get me wrong, I admire the guy. I think he is a great story. But look back over the past year. Nissan and Renault's uber CEO has lodged himself at the center of nearly every issue in the automotive industry. He may be a genius, but he is also turning into a publicity hog.

I'm just stating facts here.

It started five years ago when Ghosn revealed Nissan's concept GT-R. Since then Ghosn has inextricably attached himself to every step of the car's development. He didn't have to. Other manufacturers launch flagship vehicles all the time without a CEO-endorsement campaign. But Ghosn understands the universal impact of the GT-R. It's the next It Car, a global phenomenon in the making. And he's riding shotgun.

There is also the way Ghosn flaunts his control over Renault's Formula One team, like a power- hungry movie studio mogul usurping final cut from his fancy-pants director. Last year, as the team was dominating the championship and subjecting Ferrari to a royal beat down, Ghosn made sure everyone knew ...