Renault SA, Nissan Motor Co, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp are advancing plans to create a centralized governance structure to streamline their long-standing alliance, according to TV Tokyo reports. The proposed 'New Alliance Board' would consolidate decision-making authority previously divided between two separate Dutch-based entities, the outlet said.
The initiative, pending approval at Nissan's board meeting on March 12, would involve top executives from all three companies, including Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa, Mitsubishi Chairman Osamu Masuko, and Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard. The new framework aims to accelerate operational synergies and address governance complexities within the 1999-founded partnership, which expanded to include Mitsubishi in 2016.
The restructuring comes amid uncertainty following the 2018 arrest of former alliance leader Carlos Ghosn, who had advocated for deeper integration between Nissan and Renault. Ghosn, released on $9 million bail in March 2019, faces charges related to alleged financial misconduct at Nissan, including underreporting his salary by $82 million over a decade. He denies all allegations.
TV Tokyo reported the new board would be chaired by Senard, with working groups tasked to evaluate potential operational consolidations. The move reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the alliance after years of leadership turmoil and governance disputes.
