Datsun

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.

Departments overseeing cooperation between Nissan and Renault are reportedly losing staff, or have nothing to do. Sources have told the Financial Times the departments within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance overseeing cooperation and joint functions are either being axed completely, or have gone without work assignments for months. The alliance departments overseeing sales and marketing, communications, and light commercial vehicles are said to be shrinking and dismissing staff.

Renault could respond to the "transformative merger" offer from Fiat Chrysler (FCA) as early as next week. Sources have told Reuters the Renault board won't dawdle in deciding whether to accept Fiat Chrysler's offer for a 50/50 merger worth $52.7 billion. Should the French automaker green light FCA's proposal, it will sign a non-binding agreement and enter formal negotiations on the details of a full merger between the two companies.

Sources have told The Financial Times Renault is hoping to start merger talks with Nissan within 12 months, and then work on purchasing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). According to wire reports (via Automotive News), when Saikawa was asked about whether he knew about Renault's reported plans, he replied, "not at all".

Datsun has taken to the Jakarta motor show in Indonesia to reveal the Go Live concept, previewing the design direction for the next generation of the brand's line-up. Though no longer present in the Australian market, the reborn Datsun brand (a subsidiary of Nissan) has proven popular in numerous developing markets, like Indonesia and India, where it is pitched as a budget offering.