Get ready to read a healthy dose of speculation as what I’m about to share with you here is based mostly on conjecture, but derived from some important details we already know about General Motors, Renault and Nissan. Namely, that the three automakers could someday be working together, perhaps very closely so.
A few years back GM explored an alliance with Nissan and Renault, two automakers who are already joined at the hip. GM reportedly turned the offer down, not wanting to cede important control in to involve the two other automakers.
Emergent GM
But, things change and in this industry “never say never” is the best advice anyone can give. In 2009, GM passed through bankruptcy, emerging as a leaner and stronger company. Excess baggage, namely brands such as Saturn, Pontiac, Saab and Hummer are gone, allowing the automaker to concentrate on fewer brands. GM is no longer the largest automaker in the world, but they aren’t too far off the mark either thanks to fresh product and better quality vehicles.
What exactly would a GM-Renault-Nissan alliance look like? Well, it may be far different than Renault-Nissan as those two automakers own a slice of each other. Unless the two jump in and decide to buy slices of GM for themselves with the company launches its IPO, GM isn’t likely to give up a portion of itself to anyone else.
Still, GM could agree with Nissan and Renault to share key technologies including:
OnStar — Some people think OnStar’s days are numbered, but if GM continues to allow its navigation/customer help unit evolve, it could prove to be a wise move. Nissan and Renault might be brought on as partners or at least buy the technology for their own cars.
Hybrids — Nissan will compete with Chevrolet when the LEAF goes on the market at about the same time as the Chevy Volt. Still, there are so many components powering these lithium-ion battery packs that sharing some of these technologies could prove to be a financial boon especially if Renault is included in the mix.
Engines — The internal combustion isn’t dead and it isn’t going away. But, developing smaller and lighter engines costs money and sometimes the cost cannot be justified if there aren’t enough models or customers available. Jointly developing those engines with Renault and Nissan could help GM market cars it wouldn’t be able to do on its own.
Technologies — There will always be new technologies to develop, costs which are usually borne by one manufacturer, but could best be suited to be co-developed. These include new braking systems, airbags, rollover sensors, seats and more. Audio systems, navigation units, climate control and other in-dash technologies might also benefit.
GM won’t tip its hand anytime soon about whether it would reconsider overtures made by Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan and Renault. Given the global consolidation now taking place, some sort of arrangement seems likely eventually.