TOKYO: Japan and France today said they had agreed to share information and explore deeper cooperation in next-generation auto technology, a move that could also be aimed at repairing the strained alliance between Nissan and Renault.
In a statement, Japan’s trade ministry said the two governments had agreed to start talks to bolster possible cooperation in areas such as automated driving, batteries and electric vehicles (EV).
French president Emmanuel Macron had in June called for further synergies and alliances to strengthen the Renault-Nissan partnership in a global market.
“The Renault-Nissan alliance is a jewel in the industry. We created a giant which we must not only preserve but develop synergies and alliances to strengthen it in the face of international competition.”
Nissan had in response said there was no quick fix to strained relations with Renault SA , saying inequality between the partners could unravel their two-decade-old automaking alliance.
