► Nissan cosies back up to Renault
► New A-segment supermini badged as a Nissan confirmed
► Will be based off the upcoming new Twingo
Nissan has confirmed another new model – this time using the architecture used by the upcoming new Renault Twingo.
As the Japanese brand wrestles with its future and attempts to make itself profitable after its failed merger with Honda, Nissan is looking once again to its Alliance partner Renault to help expand its model line-up. The brand has already confirmed a new Micra is on the way, based off the Renault 5, while the new Nissan Leaf what launches later in 2025 uses the same CMF-EV platform as the Ariya and Renault Scenic.
Therefore, Nissan has confirmed it is getting in on the Twingo project – just like Dacia with its new A-segment car. Nissan says in a statement: ‘Renault Group, through Ampere, the first European intelligent EV pure player, would develop and produce a derivative of Twingo, a A-segment vehicle, for Nissan from 2026, confirming its know-how and roadmap for reducing development costs and time. This model will be designed by Nissan.’
That means, despite sharing components, the Nissan model will likely be crafted at the brand’s design studio at Paddington in London. The new city car from Renault would not only battle the Twingo and Dacia’s new city EV, but the Leapmotor T03 and Volkswagen ID.1.
All of this is part of a new Alliance ‘framework agreement’ which realigns some priorities for Renault and Nissan going forward. As well as Renault taking control of Renault Nissan India, the Alliance has clarified that any selling of shares must be made with the other company in mind. Nissan has also been released from its commitment to invest in Ampere – the Renault Group tech company helping to design and build future EVs.
‘This framework agreement, beneficial for both parties, is the proof of the agile and efficient mindset of the new Alliance. It also confirms the attractiveness of our products with Twingo as well as our ambition to grow our business on international markets. India is a key automotive market and Renault Group will put in place an efficient industrial footprint and ecosystem,’ said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group.
‘Nissan is committed to preserving the value and benefits of our strategic partnership within the Alliance while implementing turnaround measures to enhance efficiencies. Our goal is to create a more agile and effective business model that allows us to respond quickly to changing market conditions,’ adds new Nissan CEO, Ivan Espinosa.
Details of the new A-segment car from Nissan aren’t confirmed yet, but we’ll find out more as the car nears to production in 2026.