Nissan departs Trump climate battle

DETROIT — Nissan said Friday that it will no longer support the Trump administration in its legal fight to end California’s ability to set its own auto-pollution and gas-mileage standards.

The announcement is another sign that a coalition of automakers backing the outgoing administration could fall apart. General Motors ended its support for the Trump administration’s battle with California on emissions standardslast week.

Nissan said it’s pulling out because of confidence that discussions between the industry, California and the administration of President-elect Joe Biden “can deliver a commonsense set of national standards that increases efficiencyand meets the needs ofall American drivers.”

GM and Nissan were part of a coalition of 13 automakers that joined the Trump administration’s legal fight. Nissan’s departure leaves Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Isuzu, Suzuki, Maserati, McLaren, Aston-Martin and Ferrari in the coalition.

“We continue to support improvements in fuel economy and a framework that incentivizes advancedtechnologies while balancing priorities like the environment, safety, affordability and jobs,” Nissan’sstatement said.

The auto industry already was split before Nissan and GM departed. Five companies — Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Honda and Volvo — backed California. Most want one national standard so they don’t have to build two versionsof each vehicle.

President Donald TrumprolledbackObamaera fuel efficiency and emissions standards, but Mr. Biden will likely end therollbacks.