Renault and Nissan Draw Closer Again: Leadership Changes and Crisis Push Alliance Toward a Reset

Speculation about a renewed partnership between Renault and Nissan is back in the automotive spotlight. Insiders say both companies are navigating challenging times: Nissan is facing significant financial pressures, while Renault is undergoing leadership changes and a strategic review.

Former Renault CEO Luca de Meo, who left the company in the summer of 2025, had advocated selling a stake in Nissan to fund Renault’s own projects. However, the plan proved difficult to execute: Nissan’s stock value dropped, and de Meo’s asking price was too high for potential buyers.

With the arrival of Renault’s new CEO, François Provost, the situation has shifted. Unlike his predecessor, Provost favors strengthening the alliance with the Japanese partner. He has the support of Nissan’s new CEO, Ivan Espinosa. Company executives are reportedly in regular discussions about how to navigate challenges together and support one another, a sign that Renault sees promising potential for the partnership moving forward.

Meanwhile, Nissan was forced to part with its Yokohama headquarters, selling the building and leasing it back for the next two decades. Against this backdrop, de Meo’s move to the luxury group Kering—where he now oversees brands such as Gucci and Saint Laurent—marks another milestone in Renault’s history. During his tenure, he helped steer the company toward electric and hybrid vehicles and rethought the framework for collaboration with Nissan.