"Carlos Ghosn asserts Renault's global-league status revival"
"Let's chat about the tumultuous road Nissan and Renault have been treading," I say, spilling the beans on my tête-à-tête with the ex-chief of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Carlos Ghosnthe man who got the boot from both Nissan and Renault in 2019spills his guts, painting a grim picture of the Japanese manufacturer, stating bluntly that "the biz is on life support." He's not got a rosy outlook for Renault either, calling it a "small European player" in dire need of a renovation and some global heft.
Ghosn thinks Nissan's 4.6 billion euro losses boil down to slow decision-making. As for Renault, he envisions it having a hard time in China and the U.S., the two largest automotive markets beside Europe—if it doesn't start shaking things up and focusing on innovation.
Nissan: Begging for Help
Ghosn ain't sugarcoating stuff—he says Nissan's in such bad shape, it might have to rely on Honda for help, like a cat on a hot tin roof. Combining Honda and Nissan? Heck, that's like considering a merger between Renault and Peugeot in France—total nonsense, in his eyes. Oh, and there's that international arrest warrant out for Ghosn in France on corruption and influence-peddling charges.
Renault's Problematic Past
Ghosn's analysis of Renault isn't any more optimistic. Back to pre-1999 levels, he says, Renault is just a small European manufacturer that can manage itself in its present circumstances but lacks that global scope.
The International Arrest Warrant
Ghosn got thrust into the limelight in November 2018 due to allegations of financial misconduct, leading him to escape from Japan and dodge trial. His legal woes have had a substantial impact on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, souring relationships and shaking things up.
In essence, Ghosn's legacy showcases the importance of pushing technological boundaries and forming strategic partnerships. Nissan's predicament is a challenging one, with financial troubles and fierce competition marking its journey. But forging strategic alliances could be the key to its survival and success in global markets. However, Ghosn's personal situations cast a long shadow over the company, with his legal problems and ensuing departure from Nissan shaping its future trajectory.
Renault, according to Ghosn, is struggling to maintain its global competitiveness and might benefit from strategic alliances, similar to the potential merger between Renault and Peugeot, to further expand its reach.
Nissan's ongoing financial struggles, as per Ghosn, have led him to suggest potential strategic partnerships with other industry players like Honda, which could help the automotive giant regain its footing in the competitive finance and transportation markets.
