Revving up: Renault gets keys to Nissan’s TN plant

CHENNAI: Four months after Renault Group announced its intent to buy out Nissan’s 51% stake in joint India plant RNAIPL (Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd), the French auto major has completed the acquisition and become sole owner of the Oragadam/Chennai facility.“India is a key market for Renault Group and 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,” said François Provost, CEO of Renault Group.The acquisition is part of Renault Group “accelerating its development in India” said the company in a statement.Renault Group has just named Stephane Deblaise as its CEO for India effective Sept 1, 2025 to lead the next phase of the French auto major’s India strategy. Since its launch in 2010, the Chennai plant has produced more than 2.8 million vehicles — including 1.2 million exported to more than 100 countries — as well as 4.6 million engines and gearboxes. Supported by nearly 300 local suppliers, the plant has an annual production capacity of more than 400,000 vehicles; it is currently using nearly 50% capacity. Going forward, the plant will continue to manufacture Nissan cars as well as have some “kind of contract manufacturing arrangement,” the company said.Renault expects the capacity utilization at the plant to improve as new models roll out of Oragadam for both Renault and Nissan. Currently dedicated to the CMF-A and CMF-A+ platforms, the Oragadam plant is preparing to host the group’s new multi-energy modular platform, which will “support the Renault brand’s future models,” said the statement. The group is bullish on the local market’s importance in its global strategy. “Renault Group looks to India as a key driver of international expansion,” said the statement. This is part of a broader momentum, highlighted by the opening of Renault Group’s largest design centre outside France, announced in April, and the launch of the new Triber — the first model in a product offensive that will include four new vehicles. Renault will both strengthen its sales in the Indian market and expand its exports. This is part of Renault brand’s International Game Plan 2027.