On 9 October 2024, Asia Power Watch interviewer Nicolas Michelon spoke with Carlos Ghosn, former President of the Renault‑Nissan‑Mitsubishi Alliance and ex‑CEO of Renault, about the corporate tensions behind his legal troubles in Japan, and the future of the global auto industry.
Key insights from the interview:
- Ghosn described the “Renault–Nissan war” as a power struggle driven by structural, cultural, political, and philosophical fault lines, highlighting the distinct roles played by Japanese and French governments in shaping the conflict.
- He expressed pessimism about the Alliance’s future, noting significant internal resistance and strategic divergence between partners.
Outlook on the global automotive industry
- On industry trends, Ghosn emphasized that consolidation and scale have been central to corporate survival.
- He spotlighted the rapid rise of Chinese EV brands as a disruptive force, and critiqued EU and US protectionist policies that hinder fair competition.
- He shared thoughtful perspectives on the future of both legacy automakers and Tesla, underscoring the need for innovation and adaptability.
9 October 2024: