Renault Group has acquired Nissan’s 51% stake in their joint venture, Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. (RNAIPL), becoming the sole owner of the Chennai manufacturing plant. This change alters the operational structure of a facility that has been central to both companies’ production in India since 2010.
The Chennai plant has produced over 2.8 million vehicles and more than 4.6 million engines and gearboxes, with an annual capacity exceeding 400,000 units. It also serves as an important export hub, shipping vehicles to over 100 countries. The facility’s supply chain includes nearly 300 local vendors supporting its operations.
Operational Independence & Production Plans
Renault’s acquisition grants it complete control over the plant, allowing decisions to be made without requiring joint approval from Nissan. Renault’s domestic sales have seen a decline in recent years, dropping below 50,000 units in FY25 from earlier highs.
Nissan will continue manufacturing vehicles at the plant through a contract manufacturing agreement, maintaining its presence in India. Both automakers will retain collaboration in their shared engineering and R&D activities under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance framework.
Platform Development & Future Models
The plant currently produces vehicles based on the CMF-A and CMF-A+ architectures, primarily for the hatchback and compact SUV segments. Plans include manufacturing models using Renault’s new multi-energy modular platform, which is expected to support hybrid and electric variants aimed at both domestic and export markets. We expect upcoming models such as the next-generation Duster and Bigster SUVs, as well as a potential India-market Kwid EV to also be made in this factory.
Looking Ahead
Leadership changes also accompany the transition, with Stéphane Deblaise set to assume the role of Renault India CEO from September 1. The Chennai plant remains a significant asset in these developments for both Renault and Nissan.
