France's finance minister says Carlos Ghosn should not remain in charge of Renault following his arrest in Japan over claims of "misconduct".
Bruno Le Maire said he is no longer in a position to lead the carmaker in which the French state has a 15 per cent stake.
The Renault board is due to meet to discuss temporarily replacing Mr. Ghosn as chief executive.
The minister hinted that directors could ask Renault chief operating officer Thierry Bollore to step up.