French automaker takes sole ownership of manufacturing facility from Nissan partnership while appointing new CEO to lead operations in world's third-largest automotive market
01 Aug 2025 | 4987 Views | By Angitha Suresh
Renault Group has acquired Nissan's 51% stake in their joint Chennai manufacturing plant, giving the French automaker complete ownership of the facility as it expands operations in India.
The company announced the transaction on August 1, 2025, alongside the appointment of Stéphane Deblaise as CEO of Renault Group India, ...
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Renault Group has acquired Nissan's 51% stake in their joint Chennai manufacturing plant, giving the French automaker complete ownership of the facility as it expands operations in India.
The company announced the transaction on August 1, 2025, alongside the appointment of Stéphane Deblaise as CEO of Renault Group India, effective September 1.
The acquisition makes Renault the sole owner of Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL), which will now be fully consolidated in the company's financial statements. The Chennai plant has produced over 2.8 million vehicles since 2010, including 1.2 million units exported to more than 100 countries.
India represents the world's third-largest automotive market and experienced 7% growth in 2024, with projected growth of 3.5% in 2025. The market presents particular appeal to automakers given that more than half of India's population is under 28 years old.
The Chennai facility currently operates with an annual production capacity exceeding 400,000 vehicles and is supported by nearly 300 local suppliers. The plant produces models on Renault's CMF-A and CMF-A+ platforms and manufactures 4.6 million engines and gearboxes.
Renault plans to adapt the facility to accommodate its new multi-energy modular platform, which will support production of future Renault brand models. The company has outlined plans for four new vehicle launches, beginning with the New Renault Triber.
Despite taking full ownership, Renault indicated that cooperation with Nissan will continue, with RNAIPL maintaining production of Nissan models as previously planned. The arrangement reflects the companies' ongoing partnership in other areas, including a jointly-owned engineering center in India.
François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, noted that the company has established the Renault brand in India over 14 years, reaching peak annual sales exceeding 100,000 vehicles. The brand currently operates through more than 350 sales outlets and 450 service points across the country.
The acquisition forms part of Renault's International Game Plan 2027 strategy, which positions India as a key pillar for international growth. The company previously announced the opening of its largest design center outside France in April 2025.
Renault Group sold 2.265 million vehicles globally in 2024 and operates in 114 countries with more than 98,000 employees. The company's portfolio includes the Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize brands.