"The status quo is not possible, the status quo is weakening the overall group, we have to push forward, make progress and consolidate this alliance," Le Maire told reporters at a meeting held at the OECD.

Le Maire had earlier discussed the matter with Japanese industry minister Hiroshige Seko.

Nissan said earlier this month that Hiroto Saikawa would stay on as chief executive, backing the protege of former boss Carlos Ghosn even as top shareholder Renault had earlier pushed for a change in the Japanese automaker's leadership.

The make-up of Nissan's board has vast implications for the Nissan-Renault alliance. The unequal relationship between them - smaller Renault has the bigger stake in Nissan - has long been a source of friction.

(Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)

Stocks treated in this article : Renault, MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION, Nissan Motor Co Ltd