Nissan Seeks Investors to Acquire a Stake in Renault

Nissan is seeking a cornerstone investor to help it survive this year following the sale of shares in the crisis-affected Japanese automaker by its long-time partner Renault. According to reports based on two individuals familiar with the discussions, Nissan is looking for a long-term and stable shareholder, such as a bank or insurance group, to partially replace Renault's shares as it finalizes terms of a new electric vehicle partnership with its arch-rival Honda.

A senior official close to Nissan mentioned, "We have 12 to 14 months to survive." These individuals noted that Nissan is initiating a series of restructuring measures due to declining sales in both China and the U.S. and is not dismissing the possibility of Honda purchasing some of its shares, stating that "all options are being considered."

Moreover, individuals close to Renault indicated that they would be open to selling part of their shares in Nissan to Honda as part of the restructuring of the 25-year Nissan alliance. A person close to Renault stated that a stronger relationship between Nissan and Honda could be "only positive" for the French group.