Douai, France — In a landmark visit to the Renault ElectriCity plant in Douai, the CEOs of Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, Ivan Espinosa and Takao Kato, respectively, met with the new head of the Renault Group, François Provost. The visit underscored the Alliance's commitment to producing tailor-made electric vehicles (EVs) for the European market and leveraging Renault's robust EV ecosystem.
The meeting marks a new chapter for the Alliance as it deepens its collaborative efforts in the electric vehicle space. As previously announced, Nissan and Mitsubishi have chosen Ampere—Renault's dedicated EV and software subsidiary—as a trusted partner. The Douai plant, which has been exclusively producing electric vehicles since May 2023, is poised to become a key manufacturing hub for the Alliance's new European models.
Starting in late 2025, the factory will begin assembling the new Nissan Micra and the next-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross BEV. The Eclipse Cross will be Mitsubishi’s first electric vehicle for the European market and the first Japanese car of its kind to be manufactured in France. Full details on its features are expected to be released soon.
The Alliance's decision to utilize the Douai plant highlights the significant investments Renault has made in its facilities. The company has poured €550 million into the site to create a new production line with two modular EV platforms and a dedicated battery assembly workshop. This strategic move aims to streamline production and capitalize on shared technological advancements.
The new Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be built on Ampere's advanced AmpR Small and AmpR Medium platforms, respectively. This shared architecture will enable the brands to maintain their distinct identities while benefiting from the efficiencies of a common manufacturing base.
The Douai plant is already a hive of electric vehicle production. It currently manufactures the Renault Megane E-Tech (since 2022), the Renault Scenic E-Tech (since 2024), the R5 E-Tech (since 2024), and the Alpine A290 (since 2024). This has led to a remarkable increase in output, with production numbers rising from 50,729 units in 2023 to 89,527 in 2024.
The strategic partnership between Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Renault, formalized through the Alliance, is crucial for each company's long-term success in the competitive and rapidly expanding EV market. By pooling resources and leveraging Renault's established manufacturing infrastructure in Europe, the Japanese automakers can accelerate their transition to electric vehicles and better meet the demands of European consumers. This collaboration is not just about sharing technology; it’s about a shared vision for a sustainable future of mobility.
With the new Micra and Eclipse Cross BEV slated for a late 2025 launch, the Alliance is signaling its intent to be a major player in the European EV landscape. The move solidifies the Douai plant's role as a cornerstone of this strategy and a symbol of the Alliance's commitment to innovation and collaboration.
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