The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance has been in the headlines lately, with the announcement of a realignment of their existing partnership. While this involves planned joint e-mobility activities in Latin America, India, and Europe, along with a joint 800-volt platform, Nissan seems to be making new plans and putting out feelers for new partners.
According to Reuters news agency, seven individuals familiar with the matter said that Nissan is pushing ahead with its growth plans in software and electric vehicles independently of alliance partner Renault. Nissan is reportedly looking for a partner outside the car industry to develop new software for its vehicles and cloud-based services, as it tries to make cars “smarter and more connected.”
See also: Nissan to Acquire Stake in Renault’s Future Electric Car Division, Ampere
Moreover, Nissan wants to become more independent from Renault with electric drive systems, though it plans to maintain the announced 15% stake in Renault’s electric car division Ampere. According to two sources, Nissan has no plans to provide technical support to Ampere. The company’s e-Power hybrid technology is also not to be made available to the joint venture of Renault, Geely, and Aramco.
Nissan’s desire for independence stems from its opinion that the alliance is exhausted, and Renault is not bearing its fair share of the costs for innovation and development. “Even if Renault gets something from Nissan, benefits moving in the other direction are hard,” said one of the informants. “The restrictions from Renault are gone, and we can move freely.”
Nissan’s “go-it-alone” attitude may come with a plan that could be unveiled later this year, according to Reuters. The plan will likely be shaped by Nissan’s new approach to growth in the areas of software and electric vehicles, with the intention of becoming more competitive.
See also: Nissan, Mitsubishi & Renault alliance increase their investment on EV development
While the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance remains committed to working towards the “final partnership terms,” as stated in their joint statement to Reuters, it is apparent that Nissan is forging ahead with its own plans. The company’s new strategies may result in significant changes in the automotive industry’s landscape, and only time will tell whether these changes will be beneficial for Nissan and the industry as a whole.
