Dacia

The Dacia Bigster concept has been revealed, previewing an upcoming, C-segment mid-size SUV due to launch before the middle of the decade. Unveiled as part of parent company Groupe Renault's 'Renaulution' business plan announcement this week, the Bigster Concept measures 4.6 metres long, slotting it into the larger end of the mid-size SUV segment, just 30mm shorter than the long-wheelbase, new-generation Hyundai Tucson.

Renault's low-cost subsidiary brand, Dacia, says it is going to launch "Europe's most affordable all-electric" vehicle in early 2021. Dacia is the same brand that sells the rugged little Duster 4x4, and which has nabbed a claimed 5.8 million sales in Europe since it relaunched in 2004. The company showed the production-ready concept, called Spring Electric, earlier this week. It's a high-riding compact hatchback designed to bring EV tech to a new audience.

Renault and Nissan are reportedly in talks to rebalance their alliance with the aim of restarting Renault's proposed merger with Fiat Chrysler (FCA). Sources have told The Wall Street Journal about the discussions, which centre around plans to reduce Renault's 43.4 per cent shareholding in Nissan. Any reduction in Renault's Nissan stake would require the approval of the French government, which holds a 15 per cent share and supersized voting rights in the French automaker.

Osamu Masuko, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, will step down from his role as CEO when the company meets for its annual general meeting on June 21, 2019. He will be replaced by Takao Kato, who is the president of Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia. Masuko (above) will stay with the automaker as its chairman. Both men will hold a press conference on May 20, Japan time, to discuss the change of leadership.

Both Carlos Ghosn, former Nissan chairman and CEO, and Greg Kelly have been removed from the company's board of directors after a shareholder vote. Ghosn and Kelly were arrested in mid-November 2018 not long after they touched down in Japan for business meetings. Ghosn has been charged for under-reporting his pay, and misusing company funds and expense accounts.