In 1996 Ghosn jumped to Renault, where then chief Louis Schweitzer needed his help to cut costs and reverse heavy losses.

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The French industry minister, Franck Borotra, supported the decision taken by Renault's chairman, Louis Schweitzer, but made it clear that it was the managers' responsibility, not his (the state still owns 45% of Renault).

ECONOMIST: Europe's great car war