Back in 2010, the Renault-Nissan Alliance decided to mix it up with Daimler in developing a platform for the Smart and Twingo. In turn, each entity took on a 3.1 percent stake in the other, in order to showcase their commitment.
However, aside from the ongoing work on the Renault Kangoo-based Mercedes Citan van, no new projects have been announced, despite the companies having collaborated on over a dozen joint projects in total.
Now, Autonews Europe reports that Renault boss Jean-Dominique Senard told reporters that he and interim CEO Clothilde Delbos “decided at the end of last year to re-trigger that alliance, because it was well worth it.”
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“I can tell you that from the CEO of Daimler we got a very positive reaction and we are working very regularly with his teams to see how we can ensure that the future of that particular alliance can continue,” said Senard.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup truck is based on the Nissan Navara pictured above
After Ghosn’s “departure”, analysts felt that Daimler had lost interest in Renault-Nissan, especially with the German carmaker getting involved with BMW on Level 3 autonomous driving tech and mobility services, as well as selling half of Smart to Geely – its 10% shareholder.
“So far the dialogue has been extremely positive, and Clotilde and I really hope that very quickly we will be able to announce how this can be made concrete in an even more substantial manner,” added Senard.
A spokesman for Daimler declined to comment specifically on the Renault exec’s points, but did state that the two companies have had a “functioning partnership for 10 years now, and the atmosphere continues to be very positive.”
