Nissan Motor plans to reduce its stake in French automaker Renault from 15% to 10%, according to CEO Ivan Espinosa, as reported by the Nikkei on Monday. The move could generate roughly 100 billion yen ($640 million) at current market prices, which Nissan intends to invest in new vehicle development amid a challenging global automotive landscape.
The share reduction aligns with a prior agreement made in March between Nissan and Renault, allowing both companies to lower their cross-shareholdings to 10%. Under the deal, any stake sale must be coordinated with the other party and includes a right of first refusal.
In a statement, Nissan confirmed that no final decision has been made, but emphasized that if a sale were to occur, the proceeds would primarily support product development. The automaker also said there has been no change to its cooperative framework with Renault.
The potential divestment comes as Renault CEO Luca de Meo announced his departure from the company to pursue a career outside the auto industry.
The planned sale is the latest sign of the gradual unwinding of a decades-long alliance between the two firms. Renault’s stake in Nissan, once a central pillar of the partnership, has been placed in a French trust and steadily reduced since 2023, following a major restructuring of the alliance aimed at giving Nissan greater autonomy.
