Renault-Nissan CEO Ghosn skeptical on role of car sharing in industry

(January 13, 2016) DETROIT — Although the practice of car sharing is growing, Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn said he is skeptical about it as a business segment for world automakers.

"Is it going to be a significant part of this industry?" Ghosn asked at the Automotive News World Congress. "I have some doubts. This is a time of uncertainty."

In a discussion with Automotive News Group Publisher KC Crain, Ghosn discussed topics including investment in zero-emission global products and autonomous vehicles. However, he said he sees no need for industry mergers or acquisitions to develop such advanced new technologies.

This week, the automotive industry's top-tier leadership from around the globe come together to deliver the state of the industry, discuss the trends and hot-button issues facing companies today, all while looking ahead to emerging technologies and the future of this fascinating business of transportation. This year's Automotive News World Congress, held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, marks the 40th anniversary of the global conference.

Since 1976, when Keith Crain and Henry Ford II delivered the first welcome address, the Automotive News World Congress has annually hosted nearly 1,000 of the most influential leaders of every segment of the automotive industry who have shaped one of the most fascinating industries in the world including the likes of Henry Ford II, John DeLorean, Lee Iacocca, Mary Barra, Sergio Marchionne and Elon Musk.

Among this year's speakers are Dan Ammann, president of General Motors; Mark Fields, president and CEO of Ford Motor Co.; and Mark Rosekind, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.