Renault-Nissan opens Indian manufacturing plant

Renault-Nissan Alliance has opened its first dedicated factory in Chennai, on the east coast of India creating 6,000 jobs for the region.The £650m plant has the capacity to produce 400,000 units per year and will initially employ 1,500 workers at start of production in May 2010. The company then estimates that figure will gradually increase up to 6,000.The first vehicle to be produced at the plant will be the new Nissan Micra, a global sub-compact. The Micra, which is the also first vehicle derived from the new V-platform, is destined for the Indian market as well as for export to over 100 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In 2011, the plant will start production of the Renault Koleos and Fluence, both destined for the Indian market.“Our plant in Chennai represents a key milestone for the Renault Nissan Alliance in India,” said Carlos Ghosn Renault-Nissan Alliance chairman who opened the factory in front of more than 1,000 guests. “With the new Micra, we have the start of a product offensive in India that is supported by a localised manufacturing facility capable of making products for both Renault and Nissan.”Akira Sakurai, managing director and CEO of Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd, said: "The opening of any new plant is a significant achievement, but the speed and quality of execution at this plant in Chennai has been exceptional. I want to recognise the support from the state of Tamil Nadu and our employees who have helped make this plant a reality and will lead us to both domestic and export success with the products we are building."Chennai already plays host to the Renault-Nissan Technology and Business Centre India Private Ltd (RNTBCI) which is contributing to both partners’ global operations in the key areas of advanced research and development, advanced CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), product development, digital vehicle development, information systems development, and local and global parts sourcing.The inaugural ceremony was attended by the representatives of state government led by Dr Kalaignar Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

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