The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance has always been relatively uncertain on several fronts, especially some interaction between models. In recent years, this union has fallen apart, Nissan considers itself aggrieved in this case and the too important role that Renault can take on certain decisions.

After 24 years of asymmetric partnership, Renault and Nissan have begun a new era of their alliance, thus marking the beginning of a more egalitarian and less cohesive section. This new phase of their partnership, which also includes Mitsubishi Motors since 2016, was announced in February and recently officially materialized.

The joint statement of the two manufacturers states: “Having received the necessary regulatory approvals, the new alliance agreement between Renault Group and Nissan enters into force today. » This review aims to establish a more balanced, fair and efficient governance, according to Jean-Dominique Senard, the president of the Alliance.

The main change is in the allocation of shares. Renault previously owned 43.4% of Nissan, but now the two companies have a cross ownership of 15%.. The move ends Renault’s long dominance of the Alliance.

A journey strewn with pitfalls

The alliance’s history has been marked by complications, including the surprise increase in the French state’s stake in Renault in 2015, followed by the fall of Carlos Ghosn, the Alliance’s president at the time, who was arrested in Japan in 2018. accusations of financial embezzlement.

The heads of Renault and Nissan emphasized the importance of this new era, which is characterized by “consent of equals”. For Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s CEO, the deal will allow his company to develop key skills and gain greater agility. This move towards a more balanced alliance will focus on joint projects in Europe, Latin America and India, aiming to generate hundreds of millions of euros in value for each partner.

Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi already collaborate on many cars. Cars of each brand use common engines, while Renault cars are sold under the Mitsubishi brand. The two Japanese manufacturers also announced investments in Renault’s electric arm, Ampere, worth 200 million euros for Mitsubishi Motors and 600 million euros for Nissan.

A new marriage contract before the actual divorce?

Beyond the financial aspects, this development has practical implications, including the end of file and data sharing between Renault and Nissan, as well as the elimination of their joint purchasing center, significant changes compared to the former alliance, where this center played an important role.

For the Alliance’s 375,000 employees, this transition is a significant change. Some are even talking about a “divorce” between the two manufacturers, although Renault refutes this terminology. The concern concerns the preservation of jobs and facilities in France. Renault has assured that no one will be made redundant following the dissolution of the joint purchasing center, and that the cars Nissan outsourced to Renault will continue to be produced in French plants.

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