Renault is declining to comment on reports potentially questioning the future of its Alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi following the dramatic flight of former CEO, Carlos Ghosn from Japan.
Intense speculation has centred on whether or not the Alliance could fracture following events in Japan, from where Ghosn fled after being incarcerated in a Tokyo detention centre, facing a trial related to financial misconduct, which he denies.
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That speculation however appears to have been given a sharp dose of cold water by Renault CEO, Jean-Dominique Senard, who attended this week’s Brussels Motor Show and made reported observations concerning the Alliance’s future.
“We are not making any commentary,” was all a Renault spokeswoman in Paris confined herself to noting to just-auto.
The French automaker also declined to confirm reports Senard had said: ‘The Alliance is not dead,’ among other comments alluding to the necessity of the tri-partite grouping as essential to making the huge investments necessary for future mobility projects.
Despite Renault remaining tight-lipped concerning the future of the Alliance, Nissan has been more forthcoming today (14 January), insisting there was “no way” it was considering a dissolution of the partnership.
“Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi set up the Alliance Operating Board (AOB) in March, 2019 as a foundation for continuous enhancement and underpinning for future success,” noted a statement from the Japanese manufacturer.
“The AOB, which holds meetings on a monthly basis, has since been the sole body overseeing the operations and governance in the Alliance.
“In November last year, the AOB members all agreed on programmes to significantly enhance and accelerate the operational efficiency of the Alliance for the benefit of the member companies, including action plans to maximise the contribution of the Alliance to each company’s strategic plans and operating profit.
“The Alliance is the source of Nissan’s competitiveness.”
