Renault Group, a French automaker will acquire Nissan’s 51% stake in their Indian manufacturing joint venture, Renault Nissan Automotive India (RNAIPL), taking full ownership of the company.
Nissan will maintain its presence in India with a strong focus on increasing market coverage. RNAIPL would continue to produce Nissan models, including the New Nissan Magnite, and will serve as a crucial pillar for the company’s future expansion plans. Nissan also chooses Renault Group to develop and produce a derivative of Twingo, designed by Nissan.
RNAIPL operates the Chennai-based production facility, which produces vehicles for both Renault and Nissan.
The New Alliance Agreement would be amended to increase the flexibility of each party regarding their cross-shareholdings by setting the lock-up undertaking at 10% (instead of 15% currently).
As part of a global framework agreement between the two companies, reportedly, Renault will now fully control the facility while continuing to work with Nissan on sourcing vehicles for both the Indian market and exports. Going forward, Nissan is open to outsourcing vehicle production through contract manufacturing, with the current arrangement with Renault expected to meet its requirements until 2032.
Despite the ownership shift, Nissan will retain its 49% stake in Renault Nissan Technology & Business Center India (RNTBCI), with Renault holding the remaining 51%.
“As a long-time partner of Nissan within the Alliance and as its main shareholder, Renault Group has a strong interest in seeing Nissan turnaround its performance as quickly as possible. Pragmatism and business-oriented mindset were at the core of our discussions to identify the most effective ways of supporting their recovery plan while developing value-creating business opportunities for Renault Group. This Framework Agreement, beneficial for both parties, is the proof of the agile and efficient mindset of the new Alliance. It also confirms the attractiveness of our products with Twingo as well as our ambition to grow our business on international markets. India is a key automotive market and Renault Group will put in place an efficient industrial footprint and ecosystem,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group.
“Nissan is committed to preserving the value and benefits of our strategic partnership within the Alliance while implementing turnaround measures to enhance efficiencies. Our goal is to create a more agile and effective business model that allows us to respond quickly to changing market conditions and conserve cash for future investments. We remain committed to the Indian market, delivering vehicles tailored to local consumer needs while ensuring top-notch sales and service for our existing and future customers. India will remain a hub for our research and development, digital and other knowledge services. Our plans for new SUVs in the India market remain intact, and we will continue our vehicle exports to other markets under the “One Car, One World” business strategy for India,” said Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO of Nissan.
