Renault Factory Awaits Chinese Approval

Renault SA says its joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group Co. is ready to begin operation in China as soon as government officials there grant final authorization.

Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn tells reporters he expects a decision on the project before the end of this year.

The partners agreed last April to produce 200,000 to 300,000 vehicles annually at a Dongfeng assembly plant in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Renault is one of the last major automakers without an assembly plant in the country. The company sold a mere 29,700 vehicles there last year about 1% the volume of market-leader General Motors.