Author: Section Page News – Automotive News

French President Emmanuel Macron risked being seen as meddling in Japan’s justice system after telling Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he is worried about Carlos Ghosn’s conditions in jail.

Subaru restarted its sole car factory in Japan after halting the plant for almost two weeks because of a suspected defect in a power-steering component.

China’s automakers and suppliers are determined to establish a niche in the U.S. — and are seeking cutting-edge technology to help them compete at home and abroad.

Apple dismissed more than 200 employees from its autonomous vehicle group, Project Titan, CNBC reported.

Carlos Ghosn resigned as chairman and CEO of Renault, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said. Ghosn is set to be replaced as chairman by Michelin chief Jean-Dominique Senard, and as CEO by Thierry Bollore.

FCA Canada says it will idle its Windsor Assembly Plant the week of Feb. 11, halting minivan production there. The automaker hasn’t given a reason for the shutdown.

The Tesla Model 3 could hurt European sales of the BMW 3 series and Mercedes C class by attracting customers of premium sedans who are looking to switch to a battery-powered car from a gasoline or diesel vehicle. 

Tesla’s customer referral incentive plan will end on Feb. 1, CEO Elon Musk tweeted on Thursday, citing costs.

Carlos Ghosn lost an appeal against his ongoing detention, diminishing prospects of an early release on bail for the auto industry icon fighting charges of financial misconduct while he was heading Nissan.

Workers at General Motors’ Oshawa assembly plant in Canada organized a sit-down protest Tuesday night — when they were scheduled to be working — following news that the automaker did not accept Unifor’s proposals to save the factory.