Renault Ends Chinese Partnership, Looks for a New Start

With the rippling economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak starting to take hold, some industry analysts have begun floating the increasingly popular theory that various markets could stage a retreat from China. While the Chinese Communist Party’s mishandling of the pandemic — including cover-ups (and the possible manipulation of the World Health Organization) that ultimately encouraged the virus’ spread — are often cited as the impetus for the change, the actual decisions will be largely economic. COVID-19 threatens countless nations’ financial welfare as it simultaneously disrupts global supply chains.

The virus has also sent the auto industry into a holding pattern as manufacturers and suppliers hemorrhage money. While the assumption exists that this situation could encourage international automakers to refocus on domestic production, there haven’t been many examples to point to. Renault changed that this week, announcing plans to abandon its joint venture with China’s Dongfeng Motor Corporation. The move, however, may have less to do with the presumed industrial exodus than the company’s general financial situation.

Renault handed alliance partner Nissan the lead in China, allowing the French automaker to play a lesser role in the market. However, that still included a prolonged commitment to state-owned Dongfeng Motor Corp — a prerequisite for doing business within the country. All foreign entities are subject to entering into joint ventures if they’re to manufacturer and sell product within China, though its government has made a handful of exceptions in the past.

Despite getting off to a promising start in a period where China seemed to have unlimited growth potential, the market peaked by 2017. In 2020, it began recoiling aggressively as the coronavirus shut down the nation’s manufacturing capabilities. China looked to be on the cusp of a recession months before COVID-19 became a factor; consumers were losing buying power and new emission rules complicated the type of cars citizens could buy. Renault has a JV facility in Wuhan, where the virus originated, that builds passenger vehicles for the domestic market. That site had to be idled as the health crisis evolved, creating new headaches for the brand.

The manufacturer has also been well off its sales targets for the region. Back in 2014, Renault was aiming for 700,000 annual sales in China, with former Renault-Nissan Alliance head Carlos Ghosn saying the number could actually be as high as 800,000. Instead, the manufacturer didn’t even break 200,000 Chinese deliveries in 2019, losing a sizable share of the market in the process. Nissan held strong with over 1.5 million sales.

With both companies focused on their bottom line (each issued profit warnings in 2019), it makes sense to let Nissan carry the torch while Renault retreats from the market. According to the French automaker, splitting from Dongfeng is part of “global realignment” that includes alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. The official plan won’t be released until next month, though Renault said its changing role in China is definitely part of the overall strategy.

“Groupe Renault unveiled today its new strategy for the Chinese Market, building on two of its key pillars,” it explained in a release. “Electric Vehicles (EV) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV).”

Renault plans to continue providing aftersales services for 300,000 customers through established Renault dealers and via its alliance with Nissan. Meanwhile, Dongfeng will have to buddy up with Nissan for its supply of engine components as Renault helps with mobility projects and EVs. All shares in the joint venture will be transferred back to Dongfeng.

[Image: TY Lim/Shutterstock]