Nissan Motor Co. is weighing the end of its alliance with Renault SA amid fears that Renault intends to license hundreds of jointly developed patented technologies to other players, including a new Chinese partner Geely.
People familiar with the matter say Nissan’s board and senior management have raised concerns about Renault’s plans for intellectual property.
The joint IP portfolio reportedly covers around 500 technologies spanning electrification, autonomous driving, hybrid powertrains, solid-state batteries, security systems, battery management software, and other know-how essential to developing autonomous vehicle capabilities.
In November, Renault SA and the Chinese holding company Geely agreed to establish a joint venture aimed at engine production. Nissan views this arrangement as risky and is seeking assurances that key technologies will remain protected in any agreement with the Chinese party.
About negotiations
Negotiations over reorganizing the Renault-Nissan alliance have stretched over several months. Renault plans to reduce its stake in Nissan from 43 percent to 15 percent. In return, Nissan would invest between 500 million and 750 million dollars in a new electric vehicle division called Ampere, a venture Renault intends to create.
Industry observers say the discussions reflect a broader shift in the alliance as both automakers reassess shared capital, governance, and the management of critical technologies amid a rapidly changing EV landscape.
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