Key highlights
- Renault acquires Nissan’s 51% stake in the Chennai plant, gaining full ownership of RNAIPL
- India to become a central hub for Renault’s global product development and exports
- Stéphane Deblaise appointed CEO of Renault Group India, effective September 1, 2025
Renault Group has officially taken full control of its Chennai manufacturing facility by acquiring Nissan’s remaining 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL). This strategic move positions India as a cornerstone of Renault’s international growth strategy, aligning with its International Game Plan 2027.
The Chennai plant, operational since 2010, has produced over 2.8 million vehicles and 4.6 million engines and gearboxes, with 1.2 million units exported to more than 100 countries. With an annual capacity of 400,000 vehicles, the facility is now set to host Renault’s upcoming multi-energy modular platform, supporting future models tailored for both domestic and global markets.
India: Renault’s new playground for innovation and scale
India’s automotive market grew by 7% in 2024 and is projected to expand by 3.5% in 2025, making it the third-largest auto market globally. With over 50% of the population under 28, the country offers a fertile ground for innovation, scale, and long-term brand building3.
Renault’s engineering center in India, still jointly operated with Nissan, will continue to play a key role in vehicle development. Meanwhile, RNAIPL will keep producing Nissan models as planned, ensuring continuity in operations while Renault sharpens its focus on exports and new product launches.
Leadership Shift: Deblaise to drive India strategy
To steer this transformation, Renault has appointed Stéphane Deblaise as CEO of Renault Group India, effective September 1, 2025. Deblaise brings two decades of global experience, including stints in Korea, China, and Latin America. His mandate? Scale up Renault’s footprint, boost exports, and execute a four-model product offensive starting with the New Renault Triber.
Our Thoughts
Renault’s full ownership of RNAIPL gives it the freedom to innovate, localize, and export without boardroom bottlenecks. The Triber refresh is a smart start, but the real test will be how well the upcoming models resonate with Indian buyers. If Renault nails pricing, features, and after-sales, it could finally break past the 1% market share ceiling.
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