Renault Nissan alliance plant rolls out one millionth car

Chennai, Jan 8 : Car maker Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd. (RNAIPL) plans to roll out around 270,000 units this year, of which around 120,000 units will be shipped out, said the company's managing director here.

Speaking to reporters here on Friday after the company rolled out its one millionth car - a Micra model, managing director Colin MacDonald said: "The company will be rolling out 270,000 units this year, out of which around 120,000 units will be exported."

He also said the joint venture company between Renault and Nissan Motor Company plans to roll out around 330,000-340,000 units next fiscal.

Officials said a third car under the Datsun brand will be launched during 2016 and a new model under Nissan badge is also on the anvil.

However, MacDonald declined to comment whether Nissan models are contributing more towards recovery of around Rs.6,100 crore capital investment made in the plant.

The RNAIPL, one of the largest plants for the Renault-Nissan alliance rolls out cars for both Renault and Nissan. The plant is located near Chennai.

Japanese company Nissan Motor also ships out cars out of this plant to its global market.

However, officials do not agree that the Indian plant is basically to cater to the Renault-Nissan alliance's global markets than the Indian market.

They said the strategy is to scale up exports so that the costs are recovered fast while the car brand is built in the domestic market.

The plant rolls out three car brands - Nissan, Datsun and Renault.

Queried about the labour problems faced by the car maker, MacDonald said the plant is five years old and is maturing and similarly the staff is also maturing.

To a question, Christian Mardrus, Nissan Motor Company's senior vice president, management committee and chairman of Africa, Middle East and India regions, said there are no plans at present to make the new Micra in India.