Renault and Nissan have announced a new long-term vision for India, increasing production and research and development, introducing electric vehicles and moving towards zero-carbon manufacturing.
From their base in Chennai, the companies will work together on six new production vehicles for domestic and international customers, including two new all-electric vehicles, turning the Renault-Nissan hub into an international export hub.
An initial investment of around US$600 million /INR 5300 billion is planned to support new projects that will create up to 2,000 additional new jobs at the Renault Nissan Technology and Business Center in Chennai. At the same time, the RNAIPL plant will become carbon neutral with a significant increase in renewable energy production. Following the announcement last week of new high-efficiency operating projects for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, today at an official ceremony in Chennai, Nissan Director and COO Ashwani Gupta outlined the future of Renault and Nissan operations in India. along with government officials from Tamil Nadu.
Guillaume Cartier, Chairman of Nissan EMEA, said: “Renault and Nissan are fully committed to the Indian market, committed to electrifying the Indian market and seek to minimize our impact on the environment. India was the first plant of the Alliance and India will be at the center of this new chapter of the Alliance. with new vehicles, new research and development and new export markets that take our joint operations to the next level. For the first time, Nissan's lineup in India will reflect our global strength in high-end SUVs and electric vehicles, adding value to our employees, customers and communities."
As a result of both companies' renewed commitment to the Indian market, Renault and Nissan are redistributing their stakes in joint operations. Under the new Renault Framework Agreement, Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) will take ownership of 51% Nissan - 49% Renault. Renault Nissan Technology Business Center (RNTBCI) will become owned by 51% Renault - 49% Nissan. This strengthens partnerships in the long term and gives joint ventures greater responsibility and greater autonomy.
Francois Provost, Director of International Development and Partnerships for the Renault Group and Managing Director of the Alliance Purchasing Organization, said: “India is a key market for Renault Group.
Over the past 14 years, together with our teams and dealers, we have been developing the Renault brand, bringing sales to 100,000 vehicles a year. India also plays a key role in our research and development around the world. This joint project with Nissan is the first concrete result of the Alliance's new goal, presented on February 6th."
Mr. S. Krishnan, Additional Chief Industry Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, said: “The Renault-Nissan Alliance in Tamil Nadu has had manufacturing and design facilities operating in the state for over 15 years. This is a very valuable and important relationship for the government of Tamil Nadu and the Alliance. It employs about 15,000 people directly in the state and has been one of the pillars in ensuring that Tamil Nadu remains the automobile capital of India and an important center for the production of automobiles and auto components, as well as automobile design. We are very pleased with this new upgrade proposal and new investment from the Renault-Nissan Alliance in Tamil Nadu. This truly brings to life the principle of "Make in Tamil Nadu" and "Make in India for the world".
Introducing new models to new segments The six new models will consist of three models for each company, designed and built in Chennai. They will be built on common Alliance platforms while retaining the individual signature style of their respective brands. These will include four new C-segment SUVs. The two new A-segment EVs will be the first EVs from Renault and Nissan in India, building on both brands' heritage and experience in mass-market electrification, which began with the Nissan LEAF and Renault Zoe over a decade ago.
