Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi to ramp up focus on platform sharing, EVs

The Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Alliance has unveiled a new six-year plan designed to achieve some ambitious targets. Under Alliance 2022, the three automakers aim to strengthen their level of cooperation and accelerate the use of common platforms, powertrains and new technologies.

The alliance plans to build more than 9 million vehicles on four common platforms by 2022, up from 2 million vehicles on two platforms in 2016. By the end of the plan, the member companies will share 22 engines out of a total of 31, compared with 14 engines out of a combined total of 38 in 2016. The plan will also extend the use of common powertrains to 75 percent of total sales.  

Moreover, the common platform strategy (based on the CMF architecture) will be extended to a new common EV platform with advanced autonomous drive capability and to a new B-segment common platform for mid-sized vehicles. Notably, Mitsubishi Motors will gain access to the CMF architecture and utilise common powertrains by 2020.

Alliance 2022 plans a major expansion in shared electric vehicle technologies, alongside the development and deployment of advanced autonomous drive systems, vehicle connectivity and new mobility services. Twelve new zero-emission electric vehicles will be launched by 2022, utilising new common electric vehicle platforms and components for multiple segments. Over the same period, 40 vehicles will be introduced with different levels of autonomy, all the way to fully autonomous capability.

The trio of Renault, Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi represent the world's largest automotive alliance. It aims to exceed combined sales of 14 million units, up nearly 40 percent by the end of the plan. Together, the partners sold close to 10 million vehicles in nearly 200 countries in 2016.

Furthermore, the goal is to double annual synergies to 10 billion euros (Rs 76,440 crore) by the end of 2022. This will be achieved partially by contributions from Mitsubishi Motors, specifically through deeper localisation, joint plant utilisation, common vehicle platforms, and an expanded presence in mature and emerging markets.

Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the Alliance, said: “To double synergies, on one side Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors will accelerate collaboration on common platforms, powertrains and next-generation electric, autonomous and connected technologies. From the other side, synergies will be enhanced by our growing scale. Our total annual sales are forecast to exceed 14 million units, generating revenues expected at $240 billion by the end of the plan.”