2005 ANNUAL REPORT - Renault

Cooperation and synergies in engineering
Common platforms
and interchangeable components
Research and advanced engineering
Renault and Nissan aim to use 10 platforms for their
main vehicles by 2010. The platforms are developed
as the vehicle range of each of the partners is renewed.
An initial platform, the B platform, has been used
by Nissan since March 2002. Renault started using
the platform with Modus in October 2004 and Clio III
in September 2005.
A second platform, the C platform, was launched
by Renault at end-2002 with the new Mégane II. Nissan
has also been using the platform since December 2004
with the Lafesta.
The Interchangeable Components Policy promotes
the use of identical components in Renault and Nissan
cars, across the full range of vehicle types and classes.
This requires the development of standardized
components which meet the expectations of customers
of both companies.
Renault and Nissan are cooperating in strategic fields
of research and advanced engineering in which they have
common interests. The aim is to optimize the allocation
of resources of both groups, covering a broader range
of potential technical solutions and accelerating
cooperation to make technological progress. Common
areas of research include fuel cells, hybrid vehicles,
materials, electronics, powertrains and active safety.
These activities boost competitiveness. Clio III, for example,
was developed using Serial-lots (S-lots). This method,
devised by Nissan and applied on Logan, involves
replacing a series of physical prototypes by digital
simulations and partial prototypes. The car's development
time was reduced to 28 months, compared with
49 months for the previous generation – the shortest
development time for a Renault vehicle to date. The total
program outlay was thus kept down to 5953 million,
including 5630 million for capital expenditure.
Electric and electronic systems
Renault and Nissan jointly developed a new navigation
and communication system in 2004. The first European
application is on the Renault Laguna and the Nissan
Pathfinder, both launched in March 2005. It was also
introduced on the Renault Vel Satis in April 2005.
In Mexico, Renault can draw
on the resources of Nissan's
Aguascalientes plant.
Powertrains
Cooperation in the common use and development
of powertrains within the Alliance is accelerating.
The first engines developed jointly by Renault and Nissan
came to market in Japan in 2004 and in Europe in 2005.
• HR15DE (S2G 1.5) and MR20DE/MR18DE (M1G 1.8
and 2.0) gasoline engines:
- HR15DE on Nissan Tiida and Tiida Latio in July
2004, and on Nissan Note in December 2004;
- MR20DE on Nissan Lafesta in December 2004,
Serena in May 2005, and a Renault vehicle
at the beginning of 2006;
- MR18DE on Nissan Tiida and Tiida Latio in January
2005 and Clio III from March 2006.
• M1D (M9R) 2.0 diesel engine:
- M1D on Renault Laguna II in June 2005.
• TL4 (MT1) 240Nm six-speed manual transmission:
- TL4 (MT1) on Renault Modus, Mégane II and Clio III
in April 2005, and Nissan Tiida in November 2005.
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2005 Renault Annual Report