Exclusive interview: Ghosn says 'plot and treason' led to arrest

Ex-Nissan chief claims rivals wanted to 'get rid' of him

In his first interview since being detained on Nov.19, ousted Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn claimed that certain people had "distorted reality" for the purpose of "getting rid of him."

Nikkei staff writers

January 30, 2019 17:00 JST

Updated on January 30, 2019 23:28 JST

TOKYO -- Former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn told Nikkei in an exclusive interview Wednesday that he had "no doubt" that the charges against him were the result of "plot and treason" by Nissan executives opposed to his plan for deeper integration between Renault and its two Japanese alliance partners.

Speaking on the 10th floor of the Tokyo Detention House, dressed in a black fleece jacket and gray sweatpants, Ghosn acknowledged that "there was a plan to integrate" Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. The plans had been discussed with Nissan President Hiroto Saikawa in September, he added.