Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Expand Global Partnership

Renault Group and Nissan Motor Co. announced new agreements to expand the partnership known as the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The agreement covers a wide range of projects, including new shared vehicle platforms and new models in Latin America, India, and Europe, shared dealerships, retail financing initiatives, EV charging infrastructure and shared EV battery recycling partners. 

As part of the agreement, Nissan and Renault will maintain their 15% cross-shareholding relationship, with Nissan purchasing 15% of Renault’s Ampere EV unit. Both Renault Group and Nissan have entered into a binding framework agreement that should become a definitive agreement by the end of March with completion expected to occur in the fourth quarter.

“This far-reaching program paves the way for a renewal and strengthening of the 24-year partnership, creating a new agile spirit and harnessing the pioneering technologies of all three Alliance members,” according to a joint statement by the corporations. 

“This next level will create more growth opportunities and help secure operating efficiencies for each Alliance company to innovate and transform in the fast-changing market for automotive products and mobility services.”

New global platforms and vehicle models

Much of the announced agreement includes plans for shared vehicle platforms and new models in several global markets including Latin America, India and Europe. 

Latin American products will include new half-ton and 1-ton pickup trucks for Argentina. The trucks will be developed by Renault and shared with Nissan. Renault will produce the pickups in Cordoba, Argentina for both Renault and Nissan brands.

In Mexico, Nissan will produce a new vehicle for Renault, making it the first Renault-branded vehicle to be produced in Mexico in 20 years. Additionally, Nissan and Renault would commercialize two common-platform A-segment EVs in Latin America. 

For the Indian market and export, Renault and Nissan plan to collaborate on several new vehicle projects including new SUVs shared by both Renault and Nissan, and a new Nissan passenger car derived from the Renault Triber. The companies are also looking into A-segment EVs for the Indian domestic market. 

In Europe, Renault and Mitsubishi Motors plan to use the Renault Captur and Clio platforms to develop two new vehicles for the B-segment. Renault will launch a FlexEVan for commercial EV use and share it with Nissan in Europe. Past the 2026 model year, Nissan and Renault are also looking at shared C-segment EVs on a common 800-volt architecture.

Dealers, financing, charging and recycling

In one of the most important parts of the far-reaching agreement framework, the companies plan to collaborate on their dealer networks, retail financing options, EV charging infrastructure, and on EV battery recycling. 

All three brands — Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi — agreed to develop shared opportunities within their distribution networks. The companies plan to increase the number of shared outlets in key markets, use common strategies in used vehicles, after-sale support, and financing. Renault and Nissan are considering deploying charging infrastructure at dealerships throughout Europe. 

Finally, Renault and Nissan will use the same partners for end-of-life battery materials recycling, creating an economy of scale.

Cross-shareholding agreement 

In addition to the joint development agreements, the three companies also agreed to continue partnerships to expand electrification and low-emission technologies. The companies plan to invest and collaborate in each other’s projects.

Nissan’s intention is to purchase up to 15% of Ampere, which is Renault Group’s EV & Software entity in Europe, as a strategic investor. Through the investment in Ampere, Nissan will enhance and accelerate new business opportunities for Nissan in Europe. Mitsubishi will also consider investing in Ampere.

Further, Nissan and Mitsubishi will become customers of Renault Group’s Horse project, an initiative to achieve further scale and market coverage for its low-emission ICE and hybrid powertrain technologies.

These initiatives are designed to build on existing technology collaborations such as solid-state batteries, software-defined vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, and fully autonomous driving.

Finally, the companies have all agreed in principle to rebalance their general cross-shareholding status. The agreement includes rights to appoint and approve directors of the other corporations, vote on shareholder issues, and to maintain agreements to hold each other’s stock. However, Renault will have the ability to sell off some of its accumulated Nissan stock, with Nissan having the right to buy it back before any general market offering.

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/02/nissan-renault-and-mitsubishi-expand-global-partnership/