1K+ views

    Ghosn: Arrest a result of 'plot and treason' by Nissan execs

    Ghosn: Arrest a result of 'plot and treason' by Nissan execs

    Former Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi boss denies financial misconduct charges; claims Nissan executives acted against him to halt Renault merger.

    2min read ● 31 Jan '19

    Autocar highlight

    Former Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi boss denies financial misconduct charges; claims Nissan executives acted against him to halt Renault merger.

    Former Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi boss, Carlos Ghosn, says that charges of financial misconduct brought against him are the result of a “plot” by Nissan executives to stop him further integrating the three alliance partners.

    Ghosn was arrested in Japan last November on a string of financial misconduct charges relating to his former role as Nissan chairman, including claims he under-reported his salary and transferred personal financial losses from foreign exchange contracts to Nissan. He has since been dismissed as the chairman of both Nissan and Mitsubishi, and recently stood down from his chairman and CEO roles at Renault.

    The 64-year-old remains in detention in Japan after judges decided he could be a flight risk, but was allowed to speak to Japanese media firm Nikkei for 20 minutes. In the interview, he said he has “no doubt” the charges against him – which Nissan says result from a whistleblower operation – were due to “plot and treason” by Nissan executives opposed to plans he was developing to further integrate Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

    Ghosn said that "there was a plan" to integrate the three alliance partners more closely, creating “autonomy under one holding company,” which he discussed with Nissan president Hiroto Saikawa last September. Ghosn added that he had wanted to involve Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko in the talks, but Saikawa demanded a one-on-one meeting.

    Responding to accusations that he effectively ran Nissan as a ‘dictatorship’ during his 19 years as chairman, Ghosn told Nikkei: “People translated strong leadership to dictator, to distort reality.”

    Ghosn responded to some of the specific charges laid against him. He said that Nissan’s legal department had signed off on the purchase of luxury properties for him in Brazil and Lebanon – which Nissan claims were paid for improperly.

    Japanese prosecutors are also investigating Ghosn for using Nissan funds to make payments to Saudi businessman Khaled Juffali in return for a letter of credit to help with his personal investment losses. Ghosn said the Nissan executive in charge of the Middle East region has signed off on the payments, which he said came from a “CEO reserve” pot of money he was free to decide on how to spend.

    Ghosn also denied that he was a flight risk if released on bail, saying: “I won’t flee, I will defend.”

    James Attwood

    Also see:

    Renault chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn resigns from position

    Carlos Ghosn offers to wear ankle tag for bail in Japan

    Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn officially charged for financial misconduct

    Explore cars

    The Safari combines a bold, stylish design with advanced technology and connectivity features. The interior feels more upscale due to the higher quality of materials used. The responsive engine is paired with a smooth gear... Read Less

    Read More

    Similar cars

    The Safari combines a bold, stylish design with advanced technology and connectivity features. The interior feels more upscale due to the higher quality of materials used. The responsive engine is paired with a smooth gear... Read Less

    Read More

    Poll of the month

    Should FCA discontinue the Fiat brand?

    Total Votes
    8566

    Yes, Fiat can’t be revived and the focus should be on Jeep

    18.11%

    No, Fiat has a strong legacy and the brand needs to be revived

    33.24%

    Fiat should revive its association with Tata and make cars together

    48.66%

    Explore cars

    Latest Cars

    Trending Cars

    Upcoming Cars

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe