JULY 3, 2006

Renault interested in GM deal

Renault has issued a statement confirming that it is interested in discussing the possibilities of a deal with General Motors.

"Under the right circumstances and with the appropriate partners, the alliance could be expanded further," said Carlos Ghosn, the boss the Renault-Nissan alliance. "Such an expansion would only be considered by the Alliance if it were executed in the full spirit of the Alliance, which is founded on trust, transparency, performance and the full respect for individual corporate and brand identity."

Renault has confirmed that Ghosn was approached by GM investor Kirk Kerkorian in order to assess the merits of such a deal. Renault says that it is now necessary for the GM Board and top management to fully support the idea in order to study the possibilities.