TOKYO -- The arrest of alliance head and linchpin Carlos Ghosn has not deterred the French government from its push to permanently combine Renault and Nissan Motor in a way that would strengthen its influence over both.
French newspaper Le Figaro reported Monday that Renault will hold a board meeting as early as Wednesday to determine its new leadership. The French government -- which owns about 15% of Renault -- is said to be leading the search for Ghosn's successor as CEO, raising the possibility that the new chief will officially seek a merger with Nissan. Paris recently sent a delegation to inform Tokyo of its intention to bring the two automakers together under the umbrella of a holding company.
