Renault and Nissan redefine partnership

Nissan will be released from its obligation to invest in Renault's electric car division Ampere. This was announced by both carmakers as part of a series of agreements.

The move is part of an ‘amendment to the New Alliance Agreement’ signed by both carmakers. It essentially ends an agreement concluded on 26 July 2023 between Renault Group, Nissan and Ampere. At the time, the Japanese carmaker said it would invest up to €600 million euros in Renault’s EV division. It is not clear from the current statement what portion of the investment (if any) has already been paid.

Renault expects the new agreement to be effective from May 2025, adding that it is “subject to certain conditions precedent being fulfilled.” Again, there are no details about what these conditions are.

The amendment, which is part of the ‘Framework Agreement’ between Renault and Nissan, will “have no impact on the Nissan shares held by Renault Group,” the latter said. Renault currently controls 18.66 per cent of Nissan shares. However, it will allow them to reduce their cross-shareholding to 10% from 15% currently.

“As a long-time partner of Nissan within the Alliance and as its main shareholder, Renault Group has a strong interest in seeing Nissan turn around its performance as quickly as possible,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. “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.”

But that is only one part of the story. As previously reported, Renault, through its subsidiary Amperes, will build a Twingo-like model for its partner in France. The Nissan Micra will share the same platform as the R5 electric car. It will roll off the production line at Ampere’s ElectriCity in Douai, France, starting next year.

Information about the electric Nissan Micra is still scarce. The company only states that the vehicle was designed by Nissan Design Europe in London and that it plans two battery variants with 40 and 52 kWh. That is identical to the Renault R5, which initially launched with a 52 kWh battery and a WLTP range of 410 kilometres – and a price tag of 32,900 euros in Germany. A 40 kWh variant with a range of around 300 kilometres will hit the road later this year. It will start at 24,990 euros. As a teaser photo suggests, the Nissan Micra will also have a special distinguishing feature in the form of hinted-at round headlights at the front.

Renault buys out Nissan for Indian manufacturing JV

Renault will take over Nissan’s 51 per cent share of Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL), taking full control of the Indian manufacturing operations. Nevertheless, Nissan will continue to use the manufacturing infrastructure under the current joint venture with Renault.

“India will remain a hub for our research and development, digital and other knowledge services,” said Ivan Espinosa, the recently appointed President and CEO of Nissan. “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.”

The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals. Nevertheless, Nissan and Renault expect it to go through in the first half of 2025.

nissannews.com, renaultgroup.com