Nissan open to Honda tie-up for stronger India play; bets on AI-led ‘mobility intelligence’ for global growth: CEO Ivan Espinosa

Japanese auto major Nissan on Tuesday said the company is open to explore “options” and may look to work with compatriot Honda for a stronger play in India as the two companies work on strategies to strengthen operations in one of the world’s most high-potential car markets. The statement comes even as the company still works with erstwhile global alliance partner Renault, the French car company that it had partnered for production and product sharing in India and elsewhere. Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co, said the company is open to partnering Honda in India, if the need arises, though adding in the same breath that the two companies do not have anything specific working in this area as yet. “We are very open. As you are wondering (for a tie-up), so am I wondering if it would make sense to do something,” Espinosa said, when asked whether he thought there are benefits in going along with Honda in India since both the Japanese companies are looking to re-build business in the market. “For the moment, the focus with Honda is North America. But we are not closed to working more with them, if they are open.” Espinosa said Nissan continues to work with Renault in India, even after selling its stake in a joint venture to produce cars in Tamil Nadu. “We are working a lot with Renault… (yet) we have options. The beauty is that we have options… we are open also for others, the same as Renault.” Renault and Nissan had a joint venture to jointly produce cars in India (where Nissan has now sold its stake to Renault), with an annual capacity of around five lakh cars. They also cross-badge vehicles in India, with siblings such as Nissan Magnite-Renault Kiger and Renault Triber-Nissan Gravite. Now, Nissan is set to launch Tekton, which is based on the same platform as Renault Duster. Nissan also announced its long‑term vision, ‘Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life’, giving details of what it calls a “customer‑centric” strategic direction. The theme of the vision is around AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDV) and broadening work on autonomous and electrified technologies and vehicles. “This is the right moment to articulate Nissan’s long‑term vision as we set a clear path for the future… By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver products and technologies that are safer, more intuitive and more accessible,” Espinosa said. The Japanese company aims to deploy Nissan AI Drive technology across 90% of its line-up over the long term. It will also offer a wider range of electrified powertrains to meet demand across global markets, and these will include hybrids, range extenders, and full battery-electrics. The company will also streamline its global lineup from 56 to 45 vehicles, exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas. It is also evolving its global business strategy with redefined roles for its three lead markets: Japan, the US and China. Beyond the lead markets, other markets including Europe, India and Africa will play a role in expanding Nissan’s reach and supporting overall growth. “As we continue on our path to recovery, it is essential that Nissan demonstrates our relentless focus on serving the customer, seizing the opportunities provided by AI technologies, expanding electrification and driving innovation into our vehicles to deliver sustainable market growth,” Espinosa said.