Biplab Das 
Renault’s enduring alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi has taken a pragmatic turn as the automakers unveil plans to invest in Renault’s electric vehicle (EV) unit, Ampere. The strategic move is geared towards efficient regional collaboration, marking a departure from previous contentious partnerships.
Strategic investments in Ampere
Nissan and Mitsubishi have committed substantial investments in Ampere, with Nissan contributing up to 600 million euros and Mitsubishi allocating 200 million euros. This injection of capital aims to support Ampere’s development and readiness for a public listing in the coming year.
Focused regional cooperation
The new alliance signals a shift towards more focused and region-specific collaboration. Ampere, as a dedicated EV unit, will play a pivotal role in developing electric vehicles tailored for the European market. This approach underscores the recognition that regional nuances significantly impact the success of automotive ventures.
Nissan’s strategic investment and future prospects
Nissan’s role as a “strategic investor” in Ampere positions the Japanese automaker to leverage the EV unit’s software and connectivity innovations beyond Europe. Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan, emphasises the challenges of developing electric vehicles globally in isolation and highlights the synergies achievable through strategic collaboration.
Ampere’s EV portfolio
Ampere’s immediate focus involves the development and manufacturing of an electric version of the compact Nissan Micra, customised for the European market. Additionally, Ampere will spearhead the creation of a medium-sized electric SUV catering to Mitsubishi’s European audience. Renault CEO Luca de Meo projects a 50% cost reduction for the Micra, underscoring the economic benefits of this collaborative venture.
Global cooperation beyond Europe
While the current emphasis is on European markets, the alliance partners affirm their commitment to joint projects in Latin America and India. This global perspective showcases a nuanced strategy that accommodates regional differences while fostering collaboration on a broader scale.
Evolution of the alliance
The recent restructuring of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, finalised in July, marked the end of their common purchasing agreement in September. This shift allows the alliance members to concentrate on individual projects, facilitating quicker adaptation to regional disparities in automotive markets.
Addressing intellectual property concerns
Months of negotiation, extending beyond initial expectations, culminated in the restructured alliance. Nissan’s prolonged deliberation was influenced, in part, by concerns about safeguarding its intellectual property in future collaborations. The resolution paves the way for a more streamlined and cooperative approach to shared ventures.
Renault CEO Luca de Meo underscores the strategic significance of Ampere in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for Nissan’s Micra. Makoto Uchida of Nissan acknowledges the complexities of global EV development and emphasises the necessity of collaborative efforts to navigate these challenges successfully.
The latest developments in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance reflect a pragmatic and strategic approach to collaboration in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The investments in Ampere and the focus on regional projects underscore a commitment to adaptability and efficiency, positioning the alliance for sustained success in diverse markets.
