Mitsubishi Distribution Chief for France Resigns

Jean-Claude Debard, president of Mitsubishi Motor Corp.'s independent dealer network in France, has stepped down after calling French Industry Minister Arnaud Montebourg a "moron."

MMC apologized for Debard's "discourteous remarks" to reporters, which were quoted in La Provence newspaper.

Debard told reporters that Montebourg is "ruining the lives of motorists" with his policies to encourage low-emission vehicles. The minister "understands nothing" about the auto industry, Debard alleged, adding, "You can quote me on that."

Debard's former employer, Mitsubishi France, also sells Fisker electric cars and Subaru vehicles. The Swiss-based importer also apologized to Montebourg on behalf of those companies.

Montebourg is a controversial figure in the French auto business. He has accused Asian carmakers of selling vehicles below cost in the French market. Montebourg also has continued to attack the plant-closing plans of PSA Peugeot Citroen even after a government-commissioned study determined that the restructuring is inevitable.