In 2019, Carlos Ghosn, the head of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, was arrested in Japan on charges of financial misconduct. Following three months under house arrest, Ghosn made a dramatic escape, evading Japan’s justice system, which has a notably low acquittal rate.
Since then, the alliance has undergone significant changes. In 2022, Nissan committed $663 million to Renault’s electric vehicle (EV) initiatives. At the same time, Renault reduced its ownership stake in Nissan to 15%, matching Nissan’s stake in Renault. This restructuring aimed to expand EV offerings and powertrain development. However, it has not yet provided the boost Nissan needs to strengthen its EV portfolio.
Mitsubishi remains cautious, stating it will monitor developments before deciding whether to deepen its involvement. Meanwhile, Renault reaffirmed its dedication to projects within the alliance, emphasizing its commitment to decisions that benefit stakeholders and drive long-term value creation.
Looking ahead, the alliance is set for further transformation. A new holding company is expected to be finalized by June 2025 and fully operational by August 2026, with Honda taking a leadership role due to its larger market capitalization. However, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe indicated that significant benefits from the restructured partnership may not materialize until after 2030.
The alliance’s future strategy centers on shared platforms, integrated research and development, and optimized manufacturing processes. Supply chain and sales financing will also be streamlined to enhance efficiency and cost savings.
By embracing collaboration and innovation, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance aims to navigate the rapidly evolving automotive industry and secure its position in the global market, with a focus on long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
