Set to leave Renault in 2022, Ghosn had been laying the groundwork to ensure a future for the alliance, including the option of a merger. The setup has come under pressure from Nissan in recent years to address a lopsided balance of power after the Japanese company consistently outgrew Renault in sales and profits. Through complex cross-shareholding arrangements, Renault owns 43 per cent in Nissan, including voting rights, while Nissan owns a 15 per cent non-voting stake in Renault.