Nissan Motor Co. still wants a U.S. partner. CEO Carlos Ghosn says he thinks it would be a good idea for long-term growth but isn't in talks with anyone right now, according to
this AP report. A good guess would be for Chrysler LLC. Earlier this year, Nissan and Chrysler announced an agreement for Nissan to supply Chrysler with a new car for limited distribution in South America. In announcing that deal, the two said they would "maintain an open dialogue to explore further product-sharing opportunities."
They've had good luck with an almost decade-long alliance with Renault SA. In fact, a manufacturing complex the two built in Morocco was due to
start production this month. That JV also
sold over 6 million vehicles in 2007 (+4.2%) giving it global market share of 9.1% and a new annual sales record for the alliance. They're still focused on the homeland, too. Wednesday, Nissan
expanded an OEM agreement with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. for the production of minicars in Japan.
We'll have to wait and see who Ghosn picks to join his club. The AP notes that he has said Nissan has no interest in Ford Motor Co.'s brands, such as Jaguar and Land Rover. -
Baz Hiralal
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