The two main sources of synergies, in terms of financial impact, are in purchasing (since 2009, RNPO covers 100% of Renault and Nissan purchases) and pooling parts, platforms (basic structure of a vehicle) and powertrain components.

Synergies are also being developed in other areas including logistics, marketing, support functions, information systems. Each partner in the Alliance brings its own expertise to strengthen common or separate projects. For example, Nissan contributes its expertise in SUVs, while Renault shares its expertise in diesel engines.

Synergies are also generated in terms of international development strategies. For example: Renault and Nissan rely on each other to increase share in new markets when one of the two Groups is already present. It is the case in China for instance.

Renault and Nissan launched two industrial projects in 2008: Tangiers in Morocco and Chennai, in India. 

Chennai combines the best Renault-Nissan practices (quality standards, manufacturing process …). The plant opened in March 2010 and was the first to apply the Alliance Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS) and the Alliance Production Way.

The first vehicle to be produced at the plant was Nissan Micra, a global sub-compact. The Micra, which is also the first vehicle derived from the new V-platform, is destined for the Indian market as well as for export in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In 2011, the plant started the production of Renault Koleos, Fluence and Pulse, all destined for the Indian market.

Otherwise, the Renault-Nissan Alliance operates 38 design and production sites on all continents.

Renault and Nissan leverage their complementarity in terms of geographic presence and expertise. The group which possesses leadership in a given region promotes the development of the other partner by providing active support in sales, marketing and/or production.

In late 2007 Carlos Ghosn confirmed the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s objective to produce zero-emission electric vehicles accessible to all and become a leader in that market.

To reach this objective the 2 companies invested 4 billion euros in Research, Engineering, developement and manufacture of vehicles.  The two companies pooled their skills to standardize the components essential to zero-emission electric vehicle.

In 2010 the Alliance presented a complete range of zero-emission electric vehicles for the general public:

• Renault presented a range of vehicles for launch starting in 2011: Kangoo Z.E., Fluence Z.E., Zoe and Twizy. These initial electric vehicles are produced in the Maubeuge and Flins (France), Bursa (Turkey) and Valladolid (Spain),
• Nissan has marketed Leaf, a full-electric compact hatchback. Intended for sale in North America, Europe and Asia, it was voted European Car of the Year 2011.

Other Renault, Nissan, Infinity electric vehicles will be launched in the coming years.

Each company takes inspiration from its partner’s experiences to improve performance.

• Quality: the Alliance Quality Charter defines quality procedures and establishes joint tools. In addition, the Quality functional task team (FTT) studies the most efficient quality practices of both Renault and Nissan.
• Manufacturing: exchange of best practices and the joint development of the Renault Production System (SPR) and the Nissan Production Way (NPW).