In a recent development, Nissan, the renowned Japanese carmaker, has officially confirmed its investment in Renault’s Ampere electric car division. As part of the final agreements for the realignment of the manufacturer alliance, Nissan has pledged to invest up to €600 million in Ampere, securing a strategic position on the board. The investment aligns with Nissan’s electrification strategy and promises several potential benefits and synergies that complement the company’s goals and initiatives in Europe and other potential markets.
The investment comes in the wake of the alliance’s announcement in early February, with the completion of the realignment expected in the fourth quarter of 2023, pending regulatory approvals. However, Nissan’s participation in Ampere is somewhat smaller than initially speculated, as the company will likely hold a stake of less than ten percent, contrary to earlier assumptions.
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Previously, the agreement from February allowed Nissan to acquire a stake of up to 15 percent in Ampere. Yet, the Japanese automaker has decided not to fully leverage this framework. Although the reasons for this decision remain undisclosed, it appears to be in line with the overall deal, which includes collaborations in Europe, Latin America, and India.
The 15 percent stake holds significance in the manufacturer alliance, given that Nissan has historically held 15 percent of Renault. However, Renault, with a 43 percent stake in Nissan, held greater power within the alliance. As part of the realignment, Renault will reduce its direct stake in Nissan to 15 percent, with the remaining shares transferred to a French trust, granting Renault only 15 percent of voting rights. Accordingly, Nissan has agreed not to acquire more than 15 percent of Ampere.
Nissan’s CEO, Makoto Uchida, expressed enthusiasm about the investment in Ampere, citing the synergies and benefits it brings to Nissan’s electric vehicle expansion in Europe, including cost efficiencies and regulatory compliance. Renault Group’s CEO, Luca de Meo, welcomed Nissan as a strong partner in Ampere, emphasizing the project’s significance in positioning Renault and its alliance partners as front-runners in Europe’s electric vehicle and software race.
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The investment by Nissan reaffirms the company’s commitment to the growing electric vehicle market and its strategic partnership with Renault’s Ampere division. With this investment, both companies are well-positioned to accelerate their electrification efforts and seize opportunities in the ever-evolving European electric vehicle market. The completion of the realignment later this year will mark a significant milestone in their collaboration and pursuit of sustainable mobility solutions.
