Nissan and Renault EV competition intensifies, specific strategy and speed are issues

Nissan Motor and Renault formally agreed to form a new alliance, including reviewing the capital relationship between the two companies on an equal footing.

As global competition shifts to EVs (electric vehicles), the challenge is how quickly we can come up with specific strategies.

Under the agreement between the two companies, Renault's stake in Nissan was reduced from 43% to 15%, the same as Nissan's. ”, emphasizing the significance of the new partnership.

Of these, in the EV business, where global competition is intensifying, we plan to strengthen collaboration not only in Europe but also in India and Central and South America, where growth is expected.

However, regarding individual contents, there are also conspicuous fields that are still under consideration, and the two companies plan to proceed with further discussions.

On the other hand, regarding the sale of Nissan's shares due to the review of the capital relationship, since there is virtually no time limit, how to decide the purchaser, including third parties, will be a focus in the future. .

In the wake of Nissan's business crisis, the partnership between the two companies, which has continued for more than 20 years, will move to a new stage.

Renault Chairman "Nissan's dissatisfaction was always negative for partnership"

Renault Chairman Senard gave an exclusive interview to NHK after the press conference.

In it, Chairman Senard explained why he reviewed the capital relationship in favor of his company, saying, "From the beginning, we knew that we would be in trouble in the future if we continued like this. Nissan's deep-seated dissatisfaction was always negative for the partnership." He said that the review of the distorted capital relationship for Nissan was necessary to maintain the alliance.

In addition, regarding the holding of 15% voting shares, he said, "It is very important for Nissan to have a say in Renault," and expressed hope that the collaborative relationship between the two will be further deepened. .

Furthermore, regarding the future of the automobile industry, he said, "Rather than simply restructuring among manufacturers, partnerships with companies outside the group should bring benefits to group members." He emphasized the idea that each Renault needs to work extensively with companies in different industries, such as the IT sector.