Renault-Nissan Alliance agrees to strengthen partnership

Talks between the two long-term shareholders of Renault, Nissan and the French government, have resulted in a sound agreement that will ensure the Alliance’s stability and promote its future growth.

By Autocar Professional Bureau

12 Dec 2015

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Carlos Ghosn: "We now look forward to pursue sustainable growth for Renault and Nissan and to increase performance through additional Alliance synergies.”

Following a Renault Board of Directors meeting in Paris, and a Nissan Board of Directors meeting in Tokyo yesterday, Renault and the Nissan Motor Co issued the following statement from Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Renault-Nissan Alliance:

“Today was an important day for the future of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. After months of discussions, I am happy to say that an agreement has been reached that builds on our heritage and strong foundations to achieve further sustainable growth and success of the two partners. While there were important short-term issues to address, it was imperative that all involved took a long view.”

The agreement is based on three points: The principle of the French government’s double voting rights within Renault to be maintained as of April 1, 2016, and a contract between the French government and Renault caps the French government’s voting rights at 17.9%, up to 20% in case of an unusually high quorum at the shareholders general meeting; no enfranchisement of Nissan shares in Renault; and a contract between Renault and Nissan providing for non-interference in Nissan’s governance by Renault.

Mr Ghosn continued, “I want to thank all parties involved in helping us reach today’s agreement for their hard work, constructive spirit and business vision.We now look forward to all parties returning their focus to day to day operations to pursue sustainable growth for Renault and Nissan and to increase performance through additional Alliance synergies.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is a strategic partnership between Paris-based Renault and Yokohama, Japan-based Nissan, which together sell one in 10 cars worldwide. The companies, which have been strategic partners since 1999, sold 8.5 million vehicles in nearly 200 countries in 2014. The Alliance has strategic collaborations with automakers including Germany’s Daimler, Japan’s Mitsubishi, China’s Dongfeng, and India’s Ashok Leyland. The Alliance also owns a majority stake in the joint venture which controls Russia’s Avtovaz, maker of the Lada brand.