Renault To Build Next-Gen Nissan Micra

According to a recent report, French automaker Renault will develop the new-gen Nissan Micra. A senior executive of the company said that the two firms are trying to reboot their alliance with tighter cooperation in production. In a recent interview with France’s Le Monde newspaper, Mr Ashwini Gupta, Nissan’s Chief operating officer said Micra plan was an example of their "leader-follower" strategy, with one company taking the lead on certain car types. The Nissan Micra models are already being assembled at Renault’s Flins facility in France. Although, that place will likely to be turned over to recycling activities around 2024. Mr Gupta said,” For the next generation of Micra, we will follow Renault, and we will ask Renault to develop and make the future Micra for us."

Both the companies, Nissan and Renault are struggling financially. They have cleaned the decks of old managers and have outlined joint cost-saving plans as they are trying to move from a scandal surrounding former alliance boss Carlos Ghosn. The automaker is expected to soon reveal some more details about the new-gen Micra in the near future. A few months back, the automaker discontinued the Micra in the Indian market. The main reason behind the discontinuation of the car is poor sales performance in the domestic market and the high investment Nissan would have had to make to help them meet the new BS6 emission standards.

Nissan first introduced the Micra in our market back in 2010 and the car received its mid-life facelift in 2014. Afterwards, in 2017, the hatchback got its next facelift. The 2017 model of the car got updated with automatic headlamps with follow-me function, rain-sensing wipers and contrasting orange accents inside the cabin. Mechanically, the car used to be powered by a 1.2-litre gasoline unit, which puts out 76bhp and 104 Nm peak torque. The engine came mated to a CVT. Nissan Micra was also propelled by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which develops power and torque outputs of 63bhp and 160 Nm. Transmission duties were done by a 5-speed MT.