Japan, France to Start Policy Dialogue on Automotive Tech

Tokyo, Sept. 2 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese and French governments said Monday they will start a policy dialogue aimed at developing and promoting new automotive technologies, including autonomous driving and battery improvements. Japanese trade minister Hiroshige Seko and his French counterpart, Bruno Le Maire, concluded a memorandum of cooperation through telephone talks the same day. The two countries are set to exchange opinions on cooperation in the automotive industry at a time competition to develop new technologies and create new rules and systems is becoming fierce, especially in the United States, Europe and China. Seko and Le Maire also discussed the alliance between Nissan Motor Co. <7201> and Renault SA. In a joint statement, they expressed support for the two automakers' common determination to maintain and bolster cooperation in order to enhance competitiveness. In the policy dialogue, Japan and France will try to establish cooperation in five fields--autonomous driving, battery development, electrified vehicle promotion, hydrogen utilization and support for small- and mid-size suppliers. END