French car maker Renault Chairman Snard has revealed that he is seeking participation from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., which is forming a coalition, regarding the plan of a new company to separate the EV = electric vehicle business, and further cooperation of the three companies He showed his thoughts to strengthen.
Renault Chairman Snard was visiting Japan for discussions with the alliance Nissan Motors and Mitsubishi Motors, and responded to an interview with NHK on the night of the 16th.
In this, after clarifying that Renault is discussing a new company that has separated the EV business, seeking participation from both companies, "I am convinced that it is the best way to increase the value of the three-company alliance. I have. "
Regarding the specific form, he said, "If you participate, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors will choose the most suitable method," and he acknowledged that investment is one of the options.
Also, regarding Renault's decision to withdraw completely from Russia, such as by transferring the shares of the local subsidiary to the Russian side, "It was a very painful decision, but I do not know when economic sanctions will be lifted. It was the best choice to protect 45,000 employees while the local factory was down. "
He emphasized that if the local situation improves, there is still the possibility of resuming the business in the future.
Regarding the current environment surrounding the automobile industry, such as the situation in Ukraine and soaring raw material prices, Chairman Snard said, "We are in the midst of an extremely difficult situation that we have never experienced. We are, "he said, and expressed his desire to further strengthen the cooperation of the three-company alliance to overcome the crisis.