French-Japanese alliance Renault- Nissan says that it has inaugurated the first dedicated new car manufacturing facility opened jointly by the two automakers. Located in Chennai, India, the plant will eventually produce 400,000 new cars mostly aimed at the Indian market when production fully ramps up.
The alliance invested about $993 million in the massive production facility, which will initially employ 1,500 workers when production starts in May. The plant will initially assemble the all-new Nissan Micra, although two Renault-branded vehicles are in the pipeline as well. The plant will build Micras for over 100 markets, including India, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Eventually, the plant will assemble the Renault Koleos and Fluence.
“Our plant in Chennai represents a key milestone for the Renault Nissan Alliance in India,†said Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn in a statement released to the media. “With the new Micra, we have the start of a product offensive in India that is supported by a localised manufacturing facility capable of making products for both Renault and Nissan.â€
