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Nissan's alliance with France's Renault is not in danger "at all", the Japanese automaker's CEO told AFP on Monday, despite tensions exposed by the arrest of the partnership's chief Carlos Ghosn.
In an interview, Hiroto Saikawa brushed aside suggestions that the alliance, which also includes Mitsubishi Motors, had been damaged by the aftermath of Ghosn's arrest for alleged financial misconduct.
'I have nothing to say'
"I don't think it's in danger at all," he said.
READ: Carlos Ghosn's detention extended to January 11
He declined to comment directly on the case against Ghosn, who will appear in court Tuesday to hear an explanation of his ongoing detention.
"This is a process of the Japanese system, so I have nothing to say. I just want to focus on stabilising the company," Saikawa said.
Ghosn's arrest rocked the auto industry and exposed rifts in the three-firm alliance that he forged, particularly between Nissan and Renault.
'Dark side'
Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors swiftly removed Ghosn from his leadership positions after his arrest, with Saikawa even referring to the "dark side" of his former mentor's tenure.
But Renault has kept Ghosn on as CEO, and the French firm has repeatedly urged Nissan to call a shareholder meeting, reportedly seeking to bolster its representation on the company's board.
Officials at both companies have also complained about a breakdown in communication in the wake of the arrest.