Renault Nissan alliance rolls out one millionth vehicle

Franco-Japanese auto alliance Renault Nissan, which has set up its joint manufacturing facility near here, today rolled out its one millionth vehicle from the unit.
The flagship hatchback 'Micra' from Nissan Motor India was formally rolled out from the assembly line at the facility in Oragadam set up with initial investments of Rs 4,500 crore in 2010.
The alliance has invested a further Rs 1,600 crore, taking the total to Rs 6,100 crore. The plant has so far introduced 32 Renault, Nissan and Datsun models.
Besides serving the domestic market, vehicles from the plant are also shipped out to 106 countries.

"I congratulate our workforce in Chennai for achieving a significant landmark in the ongoing evolution of this important plant," Nissan Africa, Middle East and India region Chairman Christian Mardrus said.
"Our Chennai facility, has and will continue to play a fundamental role in development of our businesses in India.

"Today's milestone reflects the popularity of Nissan and Renault products in India and export markets, as well as the skill and dedication of our staff," he said.
The plant, which also has a research and development wing adjacent to it, has created 12,000 direct and 40,000 indirect jobs.
"This is a proud day for everyone associated with the plant. On an average, we have launched two new models each year across three brands since 2010," Renault Nissan Alliance India Pvt Ltd's Plant Managing Director Colin MacDonald said.

The plant, which produced 75,000 units in 2010, manufactured over 2 lakh units as of March 2015. It has a total installed capacity of 4.80 lakh units per annum.
The last model that was rolled out from the facility was Renault's small hatchback 'Kwid'.
Today's roll-out would be followed by Datsun branded vehicles in 2016.