Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan-Renault boss who made headlines with his daring escape from Japanese prosecution, is back in the spotlight. Recently, Ghosn has shared his thoughts on Nissan’s potential merger with Honda, and his opinions are as fiery as ever.
Ghosn, known for his role in rescuing Nissan from bankruptcy with the Nissan-Renault Alliance, believes that a merger between Nissan and Honda may not be the best move. In an interview with Bloomberg, Ghosn expressed skepticism about the synergies between the two companies, citing their similar markets and products. He suggested that the merger may be a desperate move driven by external pressure.
While Ghosn’s bias against Nissan is evident, his insights into the challenges of merging two direct competitors like Nissan and Honda are valuable. He also raised concerns about a potential merger being influenced by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to protect Japanese companies from foreign control.
On a different note, Tesla has issued a recall for over 700,000 vehicles, including Cybertruck, Model 3, and Model Y, due to a tire pressure monitoring system issue. The recall can be addressed through an over-the-air update, highlighting the growing role of technology in vehicle maintenance.
In another development, Tesla is exploring the possibility of deploying its driverless Cybercabs in Austin. While the city offers a conducive environment for testing autonomous vehicles, regulatory approvals may pose challenges. Despite the mayor’s reservations about the technology, Tesla is working with the city’s autonomous vehicle task force to establish safety expectations for the vehicles.
As the debate around robotaxis continues, residents in cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, and potentially Austin are faced with the prospect of sharing their streets with driverless vehicles. The safety and regulatory concerns surrounding the deployment of robotaxis remain a topic of discussion among city officials and residents alike.
In conclusion, the auto industry is witnessing rapid advancements in technology and business strategies, with key players like Nissan, Honda, and Tesla navigating through complex challenges. As the industry evolves, the integration of new technologies and the reshaping of traditional business models will continue to shape the future of mobility.