Renault-Nissan Alliance Establishes Plans for 12 EVs and 40 Driverless Cars by 2022

author: Michael Cheng   

The next decade will test the auto industry's ability to cope with the rise of electric vehicles, connected cars and autonomous networks. In an attempt to stay relevant, many car manufacturers have voiced out their plans to spearhead the futuristic era of transportation, while others are patiently forging partnerships and investing in infrastructure to support their goals.

To increase the chances of success, a handful of businesses in the sector have formed collaborative movements. One of these groups is called the Renault Nissan Alliance, which now includes Mitsubishi. The organization recently unveiled its grand plan for the industry – a six-year timeline filled with new EVs and driverless cars.

Alliance 2022

The Renault Nissan Alliance intends to meet its goals by 2022, through the Alliance 2022 program. Its most daunting goal is the release of 12 battery-electric cars within the next six years. Furthermore, the members will use standardized platforms (shared architectures, spread across four platforms for up to nine million units) and parts for all of the EVs – regardless of the automaker. This would allow the three companies to scale their offerings together.  

The organization will take on General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen Group, with all three capable of manufacturing up to 30 million vehicles per year (collectively). Mitsubishi's presence in the Renault Nissan Alliance is crucial to matching the capacity of the three global car brands.

"Consumers are still not in… they want a bigger range, a lower cost and faster starting time," said Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Alliance 2022. "But with the emissions rules coming in it's the end of gas. This will be driven not so much by consumer demand but by emission regulations. Between now and 2040 there will be no more diesel and gasoline. This is absolutely a scenario."

Autonomous Cars and Robo Ride-hailing Services

Alliance 2022 is not stopping at EVs. During the announcement, Ghosn revealed the group is also gearing up for the release of 40 autonomous vehicles. Additionally, it wants to become a leading operator of driverless, ride-hailing networks. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the two objectives is the organization's timeline for completion. The Alliance 2022 head acknowledged the group is working on all of its automotive projects simultaneously, hinting that all 50+ vehicles (EVs and self-driving cars) will hit consumer markets in the coming years.

"We intend to deliver on growing synergies, with three autonomous companies cooperating with the efficiency of one. The Alliance has grown and performed with two members since 1999," highlighted Ghosn.

Ghosn is discreetly boosting the organization's capacity to capture the ride-hailing market with driverless fleets. Earlier this year, Renault-Nissan scooped up the assets of failed automotive startup Karhoo. The company, which specializes in ride-hailing technology, tanked after it faced delays in launching its official mobile app. Ghosn used the financial services arm of Renault, RCI Bank and Services, to complete the deal. This was a smart move, as Karhoo will relaunch again with roughly 35 employees – a huge cut from its previous team of 200 workers. 

Michael Cheng

Michael Cheng is a legal editor and technical writer with publications for Blackberry ISHN Magazine Houzz and Payment Week. He specializes in technology business and digesting hard data. Outside of work Michael likes to train for marathons spend time with his daughter and explore new places.