Nissan Hits Out at Renault, Leaving Alliance on Shaky Ground

  • French firm says in letter to Nissan it may not back reforms
  • France hints at lowering Renault stake, Nissan wants full exit
Photographer: Balint Porneczi/Bloomberg
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The decades-old alliance of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. descended into open enmity as the two sides sparred over governance changes at the Japanese automaker, an apparent tit-for-tat following Nissan’s refusal to endorse a deal with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV.

Nissan Chief Executive Officer Hiroto Saikawa said it was “most regrettable” that Renault planned to stymie board reforms, after receiving a letter from the French company’s chairman, Jean-Dominique Senard. Renault’s salvo contrasts with more reassuring remarks from French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.