The alliance between the three carmakers will manifest itself through a symbolic 3.1 percent shares swap as it follows: Renault-Nissan takes a 3.1 percent stake in Daimler, while Daimler got 3.1 percent stake in Renault and an equal amount in Nissan.
On the vehicle level, the future generation smart four-seater and Renault Twingo, including electric versions, will be built on a joint architecture. Taking advantage of this announcement, Daimler revealed the smart will be succeeded by both a new fortwo and a new smart four-seater, while Renault said it will embrace the rear wheel drive concept for the next generation Twingo.
The three carmakers will also work together in the field of powertrain development. The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide 3 and 4 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines to Daimler, while the Germans will supply 4 and 6 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for Infiniti.
In addition, the cooperation between the three will see the creation of an all-new entry-level Mercedes van, to be built at the Renault plant in Maubeuge. Daimler will also purchase a small diesel engine and transmissions for the Mercedes-Benz Vito.
“Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are combining common interests to form a promising foundation for a successful, strategically sound cooperation that is based on a number of very concrete and attractive project cooperations. Our skills complement each other very well," Dieter Zetsche, Daimler chairman of the board said when announcing the alliance.
"Right away, we are strengthening our competitiveness in the small and compact car segment and are reducing our CO2 footprint – both on a long-term basis. We know that we can make brand-typical products based on shared architectures. The individual brand identities will remain unaffected,” added Dieter Zetsche.
The combined operations of the three carmakers will be headed by Carlos Ghosn and Dieter Zetsche.
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