The Renault-Nissan Alliance manufacturing plant in Oragadam, near Chennai, has reached the one-million production milestone today. The landmark car – a red Nissan Micra – rolled off the line at 12.15pm today.

The plant, which is the Alliance’s largest production facility in the world, started operation in March 2010 following a Rs 4,500 crore initial investment. The Alliance has since invested a further Rs 1,600 crore to increase the plant’s capability with a world-class powertrain manufacturing facility and tooling. The plant has introduced 32 new Renault, Nissan and Datsun models and variants to its production line. The plant, which caters to both the domestic and international markets, has grown into India’s second largest car exporter with more than 600,000 units shipped to 106 countries since 2010.

Annual production volume has risen from an initial 75,000 units in FY2010 to over 200,000 by the end of CY2015 in March.

Speaking at the celebratory function of the millionth car, Christian Mardrus, chairman of Nissan’s Africa, Middle East and India region, and former Alliance executive vice-president, said, “I congratulate our workforce in Chennai for achieving a significant landmark in the ongoing evolution of this plant.”

“Our Chennai facility has, and will continue to play a fundamental role in the development of our business in India. Today’s milestone reflects the popularity of Nissan and Renault products in India and export markets, as well as the skill and dedication of our staff. It is also a measure of the high level of support we have enjoyed from the Tamil Nadu Government.”

The plant was established by the Alliance to meet the growing demand from Indian customers for high quality, locally-produced cars. It is complemented by a major R&D centre, also in Chennai, which plays a huge role in model development in India ensuring products are locally relevant.

Together, the manufacturing plant and R&D facility account for around 12,000 direct jobs in Tamil Nadu, with a further 4,000 in the Indian supplier chain, making an increasing contribution to the local economy.

Colin MacDonald, plant MD of Renault Nissan Alliance commented, “This is a proud day for everyone associated with the plant. On average, we have launched two new models each year across three brands since 2010. The workforce and our supplier partners deserve enormous credit for achieving this while increasing annual production volume.”

The most recent model to roll out of the plant is the Renault Kwid hatchback in September 2015. It will be followed this year by the third Datsun model to be sold in India – the Redigo hatchback.

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