Datsun

A buyer in Japan has paid a record AUD$1.17 million for a rare 1970s Datsun. The hammer went down on the 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432R in Tokyo last weekend and the selling price made it one of the most expensive Japanese cars ever sold. Known as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan, and Datsun 240Z in other markets including Australia, the Z432R is the one that gets Japanese classic car enthusiasts hearts racing.

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.

Waymo, Google's self-driving car unit, has signed a deal to commercialise autonomous vehicle services with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. According to the companies, this new agreement is "exclusive... for an initial period" and will see the partners "explore all aspects" of autonomous vehicle services in France and Japan, including passenger services and cargo delivery.

Late last week Carlos Ghosn walked out of the Tokyo Detention Centre again after posting ¥500 million ($6.3 million) in bail. Unlike his first release from jail, when he donned a construction worker's outfit as disguise, Ghosn left jail this time in a plain white button-up shirt with a dark blue jacket. The court imposed a new condition on his freedom, requiring Ghosn to seek permission before he meets or communicates with his wife Carole.

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".