Tokyo — Nissan announced it was considering changing its equity structure with Renault to ensure the existing alliance will survive beyond its current leadership. The carmaker reported a "sizeable" profit gain for the year, as US tax cuts offset the negative factors, such as rising costs and a damaging inspection scandal. Speculation about the alliance’s future, including a possible merger, has been brewing since reports earlier this year that the two companies were discussing plans for a closer tie-up in which Nissan could acquire the bulk of the French state’s 15% Renault holding. The automaking partnership, which also includes Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors, was the world’s top-selling passenger vehicle maker in 2017, but amid growing consolidation in the global auto industry, the group must find a way to strengthen its framework before alliance chairman Carlos Ghosn retires in the coming years, after overseeing the partnership for nearly 20 years. "This could take many different shap...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.