On the heels of Nissan Motor losing a board member after alliance partner and top shareholder Renault withdrew its support, the Japanese automaker has a message to send: All is well.

During an interview in New York, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa downplayed the significance of Renault abstaining from last week¡¯s vote to reappoint influential outside director Motoo Nagai.

While the maneuver cost Nagai a board seat he had held since 2019, the episode isn¡¯t an indication of renewed strain in relations between Nissan and Renault, the CEO said.