Fukuoka: The auto industry needs further consolidation, but Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co should strengthen their alliance before being involved in any new merger moves, the French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said.
Maire said protecting the two-decade old partnership between Renault and Nissan was the priority for the French government, Renault's largest shareholder.
"We all know that because of the technological transformations taking place, in particular with electric and connected vehicles, there will be a need for industrial consolidation," he said.