Nissan new CEO reaffirms alliance, promises revival

Nissan’s new chief executive Makoto Uchida has reaffirmed the importance of the Japanese automaker’s alliance with Renault as it strives to put its financial scandals behind it.

A day after he took office, Uchida told reporters Monday he will emphasize transparency and work to restore Nissan Motor Co.’s credibility.

Uchida takes over at a time of crisis, with sales and profits tumbling, after Nissan’s former Chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested last year on various financial misconduct charges.

Ghosn denies wrongdoing. His trial has not started, and the scandal hangs like a shadow over Nissan.

Analysts say hopes are high Uchida and his new team will lead a revival at Nissan. But uncertainties remain, and the effort is likely to take time.

Uchida was appointed after his predecessor, Hiroto Saikawa, resigned.