Renault-Nissan, Dongfeng JV to build e-cars

beijing — Nissan Motor and its partner Renault will build electric cars in China in a new venture with Dongfeng Motor, as global automakers scramble to get ready for stringent electric vehicle quotas being introduced by the nation.

China, the world’s biggest auto market, wants all-electric battery cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles to make up at least a fifth of the country’s auto sales by 2025, as part of its solution to tackle alarming pollution levels in major cities.

Ford Motor Co announced earlier this month it was exploring setting up a joint venture with car maker Anhui Zotye Automobile Co to build electric vehicles in China under a new brand.

Tesla, Daimler AG and General Motors have already announced plans for making electric vehicles in China,

The new joint venture, called eGT New Energy Automotive Co, will be owned 25 per cent each by Nissan and Renault with Dongfeng owning 50 per cent, Nissan and Renault said in a statement on Tuesday.

They said eGT will design a new electric vehicle on a subcompact crossover SUV platform of the Renault-Nissan alliance.

“The establishment of the new joint venture with Dongfeng confirms our common commitment to develop competitive electric vehicles for the Chinese market,” Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the RenaultNissan alliance, said in the statement.