December 1, 2009
During the second round of Nancy 09’, the President of Nigeria revealed that his country had signed a contract with the United States, whose purpose is to develop the car industry in this region, one of the poorest in the world. In exchange of 15% of the Nigerian oil production, the United States will subsidize the Detroit-based firm FORD to build low-cost cars locally, in Nigeria.
In these times of uncertainty, this agreement is a good deal for the White House, because now part of the US oil imports are now secured and diversified. Nevertheless, one can ask how and why the Nigerian government has accepted such a contract. Indeed, considering the extreme poverty in Africa, there is absolutely no interest in building cars in this country.
This contract will reduce, for sure, the profits for the Nigeria’s economy and and the gains for the Nigerian people. It is now obvious that the interests of nation’s leaders are not the same as the ones of the men in the street…Would it be another consequence of the corruption? We have received no response to this question.
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
December 1, 2009
Years after years, Japan is confronted to a recurrent issue: its birth rate. Since the end of World War II, the demographic data indeed show a constant decrease of the Japan’s birth rate. Considering the issue and its consequence on the country’s economy, the government has decided to implement actions to reverse this trend. Even if the Japanese government is still negotiating the measures with the most important Japanese company – Toyota – every stakeholders agree to say that kindergartens and supplementary motherhood vacation could be allocated to mothers in exchange of important tax rebates to firms. Furthermore, the more the companies would invest in green-oriented projects, such as the Toyota’s Prius, the more tax rebates would be important. These measures are extremely constraining for firms. But it appears that this is the only way for Japan to generate growth and to preserve its future.
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
December 1, 2009
Further to the extraction difficulties met by the petroleum companies in the North Sea, the UK has decided to contact the Brazilian government to establish a bilateral agreement between both countries. More precisely, the UK would like to take profit of the Brazilian technologies and skills – via the intervention of Petrobras – in the field of the in-depth oil extraction. In exchange, the UK would give to Petrobras 50% of the benefits, and would increase its petroleum imports from Brazil. The contract has not been signed yet, but such a strategic agreement would be favourable for both parties, for sure, because it would provide oil to the UK and would increase the economic power of Brazilian firms on a developed market.
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
December 1, 2009
The French Government declared wanting 50.000 cars. That is why Renault was contacted. The price proposed by the Government for the package was 1 billion euros, in exchange of tax rebates for the firm. According to our calculus, it means that, in average, each car buys will cost to the French citizen 20.000 Euros…Of course, Renault accepted the deal with no other negotiation. Are the French leaders really aware of the cost of living? Certainly not…
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
December 1, 2009
Lukoil would like to be famous. That is why the managers of this firm entered into contact with the Toyota’s top-management at the occasion of Nancy 09’- Round 2. The intention of the Moscow-based firm is to reach an agreement with the famous F1-maker Toyota to favor a F1 project in Saint Petersburg and to increase its notoriety by being recommended by Toyota. Lukoil proposed in exchange to sell to Toyota oil at a cheaper price – 10% above the average. Fundamentally, Toyota has no interest in dealing with this firm…but the management of the Tokyo-based firm showed a certain interest in this project, especially in view of getting a better visibility on the Russian market. At this time, the contract has not yet been signed.
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
December 1, 2009
During the second round of Nancy 09’, the United Kingdom revealed that some complimentary funds were required to close the budget of the London 2012 Olympic Games. To that extent, the government contacted Deutsche Bank to reach an agreement on a 750 Million € loan. Before the start of negotiation, the UK wanted to share out it’s borrow from several banks to reduce risks. It has to be mentioned that BNP Paribas was contacted in this extent. But considering the 3,2% interest rate proposed by the German bank (average interest rate 3,8%) the government agreed to give the exclusivity to Deutsche Bank.
Even if such a proposition is attractive one has to outline that the final bills will have to be paid by the taxpayers. Once again, project managers did not assess the budget correctly during the design of the Olympic Games.
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
December 1, 2009
In regards to the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, France, Germany, Sweden and Italy finally decided – on behalf of the European Union – to reduce the UE’s carbon emission by 25% before 2025. Whereas the first round of negotiation showed the manifest lack of cohesion of the UE state-members on the environmental issues, governments have decided to undertake actions to show the “Euro-Eco” dynamism to the world. This strong political signal dedicated to other rich nations will undoubtedly favour the emergence of a green industry. But more than ever, we have to pay tribute to the UE’s efforts, because such a measure will save the Earth and generate growth and revenues…
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
In regards to the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, France, Germany, Sweden and Italy finally decided – on behalf of the European Union – to reduce the UE’s carbon emission by 25% before 2025. Whereas the first round of negotiation showed the manifest lack of cohesion of the UE state-members on the environmental issues, governments have decided to undertake actions to show the “Euro-Eco” dynamism to the world. This strong political signal dedicated to other rich nations will undoubtedly favour the emergence of a green industry. But more than ever, we have to pay tribute to the UE’s efforts, because such a measure will save the Earth and generate growth and revenues…
By Guillaume Bourguet-Aillagon
November 29, 2009
RENAULT-NISSAN and the United States of America have reached an agreement to put in place an Autolib’ system similar to the Car to Go to be developed in Germany. The project will be tested in 3 cities at first and depending on its success it will be developed in other ones.
The choice of the 3 cities seems a bit odd: in New York traffic jams are legendary, and Miami and San Francisco are both spread over huge areas where electrics cars might not be such a good idea (difficult to use on the highway).
But to set up such a project Renult Nissan will have to brand the cars Nissan and create some jobs to help the United States in this economic downturn. But Renault could get tax exoneration and free land.
The implementation of such a project will definitely take a lot of time but should also be especially difficult since the American market seems to be the least ready for electric cars. How could they give up the huge hummers that attest of their social status.
By Elise Saillard & Charlotte Creuzot
November 29, 2009
RENAULT and its partner Daimler, wanted to ask for financial help to the German government, in order to produce a new hybrid motor for bus and trucks and implant a new joint venture.
Germany didn’t come and we can wonder what will be the consequences for the German economy.
By Coralie Jouany.
November 29, 2009
DAIMLER asked for subventions from CitiCorp in order to take over Volvo from Ford and invest in research and development in Sweden.
The Swedish government is very happy and sees there a very good opportunity of profit, at every level.
By Coralie Jouany
