In June this year, reports revealed Renault’s intention to acquire full ownership of the Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) plant near Chennai, Tami Nadu. Jointly owned by Nissan which owned 51 percent stakes in the production facility, the Japanese car manufacturer was more than willing to sell off its stakes since it has been going through tough times.
Renault has finally acquired complete ownership of the RNAIPL plant thus becoming its sole owner. This strategic move strengthens the Renauklt’s ambition to make India a key pillar of its international growth. As part of its bigger International Game Plan 2027 strategy, the acquisition lays groundwork for Renault’s expansion in the world’s third largest automotive market.
To support this transformation, Stéphane Deblaise will take over as CEO of Renault Group in India, effective September 1, 2025. Renault currently operates more than 350 sales outlets and 450 service points across the country.
Certainly not. Nissan will remain operational in India, but it will now function largely as a subsidiary of Renault in the country, without assuming full control of the brand’s operations. RNAIPL will keep producing Nissan models as planned. Further, Renault and Nissan will continue to operate jointly Renault Nissan Technology & Business Center India (RNTBCI), in which Nissan will retain its 49 percent stake and Renault Group its 51 percent stake. For now, Nissan will proceed with its planned future model launches for the Indian market.
Speaking on this landmark acquisition, François Provost, CEO Renault Group, “India is a key market for Renault Group. Over the past 14 years, we have successfully established the Renault brand thanks to our dedicated teams and partners, reaching peak sales of over 100,000 vehicles sold per year. India also plays a vital role in our global R&D footprint. With full ownership of our plant in Chennai, we now have all the means to accelerate in India.”
The RNAIPL facility in Chennai has an annual production capacity of 4 lakh units. It currently manufactures vehicles based on the CMFA and CMFA+ platforms, including models like the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. In the coming months, the plant will be upgraded to accommodate the CMFB platform.
This transition will begin with the launch of the new Duster early next year, followed by a sevenseat variant. In the initial phase, four new models based on the CMFB platform will debut in India, with two of them carrying the Nissan badge.
