“We Are Here to Stay”: Nissan Reaffirms India Commitment Despite Exit from mfg JV

Even as Nissan Motor Company exits ownership of its Chennai manufacturing joint venture with Renault, the Japanese automaker has made one thing clear - it has no plans to exit India.

With six new models in the pipeline and a €700 million commitment to the Indian market, Nissan reiterated its resolution to investing in India’s long-term growth.

“We are here to stay,” said Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President of AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President of Nissan India Operations, at a media roundtable.

Dismissing speculation around the stake sale, he emphasized that the “€700 million investment is already underway and will support a robust new product pipeline.

There is no reason why Nissan will move out from India. It’s opposite—Nissan will enjoy and will grow from India,” he said.

Torres underlined that Nissan’s roadmap remains unchanged, and the business is moving forward with confidence.

“There is no indication, nor is there any reason, why Nissan will exit India,” he asserted.

Global Realignment Leads to Manufacturing Exit
As part of a broader realignment of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Renault will now take full ownership of Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL), the manufacturing hub in Chennai.

Nissan has exited its 51% stake, shifting from co-owner to customer, with production continuing under a contract manufacturing arrangement.

Torres explained that the move was part of Nissan’s global turnaround strategy, allowing the company to convert fixed costs into variable costs by paying per unit produced.

“We need to take measures that can help improve both efficiency and fixed cost management at the same time. And with this decision, we are transitioning from a fixed cost in the plant to a variable cost, as it will be paid by the car. From now on, RNAIPL will be a supplier from NMIPL, from Nissan,” he added.
 
Despite the change in shareholding, Nissan emphasized that there is no impact on its product plans or production continuity at RNAIPL.

All current and planned Nissan models—including the Magnite, new B- and C-segment SUVs, and an affordable EV—will continue to be manufactured at the facility.

“There is no impact on our product plans or operations,” Torres said, noting that the company has secured production commitments through 2032.

Ambitious Volume and Investment Plans
Nissan closed FY2025 with 99,000 units sold, comprising 71,000 in exports and 28,000 in domestic sales, driven primarily by the Magnite.

Building on that base, the company aims to triple its domestic sales to 1 lakh units and double total sales, including exports to 2 lakh units by 2026.

Nearly 80% of the €700 million investment has already been deployed, covering the development of the new SUV portfolio, the export version of the Magnite, and a locally produced EV expected to arrive before 2026. 

Torres emphasized that the company’s investment plans remain “intact,” even after the manufacturing exit.

Scaling Up to Participate in Growth
Nissan is banking on its expanded model lineup and retail footprint to gain share in India’s competitive SUV market. 

From a single model currently available on the market, the brand plans to expand its portfolio to six models over the next two years, including the CBU-imported X-Trail.

MD Saurabh Vats added that Nissan's dealership network is expected to close FY25 with around 160 outlets, with further expansion planned.

He said the company’s confidence stems from entering high-potential segments with well-researched products, backed by secured capacity and investment in brand and retail infrastructure.

Responding to concerns about perception and market presence, Torres was direct: “Three or four years ago, that question was valid. However, today, we’ve invested €700 million and are delivering. There is no indication that Nissan will exit India.”