Hope for Dongfeng-Renault partnership revived

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai December 17) - The much touted partnership between Dongfeng and Renault, which would see the French manufacturer's models come to China, may finally becoming a reality. According to a report on the National Business Daily, discussions between the two parties have reached a fairly substantive level, with hopes that a written agreement will be ready by spring of next year. Hubei's capital of Wuhan will reportedly be home to the new venture.

Renault China Public Relations and Media Adviser Zhu Jiefei was quick to dismiss the report as pure speculation. However, Executive President Chen Guozhang has previously hinted at the possibility of Chinese manufacture of Renault vehicles several times.

Carlos Ghosn, president of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, has also made several attempts to convince Dongfeng to aid in the production of Renault and Infiniti vehicles. At the end of last month, Mr. Ghosn made an official visit to China, where he reportedly met with government officials to discuss the possibility of domestic production. 

Furthermore, Nissan has previously passed on platform technology for the Bluebird Sylphy to Dongfeng, as well as withdrawn its claim to Dongfeng's commercial vehicle business, allowing the Chinese manufacturer to pursue a more favorable partnership with Volvo. It seems that Renault-Nissan and Mr. Ghosn's goals are very clear.