Nissan Motor, a prominent Japanese automotive company, intends to invest in the electric vehicle segment of its alliance partner Renault, despite Renault's recent decision against listing the unit on the stock market. Nissan's CEO, Makoto Uchida, emphasized this commitment during his visit to Chennai, India, citing a desire to expand its presence in Europe and leverage the alliance's strengths. Uchida affirmed that regardless of Renault's IPO plans for its electric vehicle business, known as Ampere, Nissan remains keen on investing in it and has already initiated discussions.
This visit by Renault and Nissan's top executives to India underscores the nation's significance as a key growth market, particularly amidst intensifying competition from Chinese automakers. Earlier this year, Renault opted out of its initial plan to list Ampere due to lacklustre stock market conditions. However, Nissan's chairman assured that this decision wouldn't impede investments from Nissan or their other longstanding partner, Mitsubishi.
In essence, Nissan's decision to invest in Renault's electric vehicle unit underscores their commitment to expanding their foothold in Europe and maximizing the benefits of their alliance. Despite the setback of Renault's IPO cancellation for Ampere, Nissan is determined to pursue opportunities for growth and collaboration within the alliance framework. The focus on India as a pivotal market highlights the strategic importance of the region in the global automotive landscape.