Renault-Nissan alliance eyes $5.8b in annual savings

TOKYO, Jan 31 (AFP): Nissan and France's Renault are hoping to save $5.8 billion annually in two years by increasing cooperation with each other, including forging closer links in research and development and vehicle production.

Despite their close links-Renault is the Japanese automaker's biggest shareholder and they are both chaired by Carlos Ghosn-the pair have operated largely independently of each other since the alliance was struck 15 years ago, except on parts procurement and engine development.

In a statement issued in Amsterdam Thursday, the world's fourth-largest auto group said it would move to more closely link operations particularly in four key areas: research and development, purchasing, manufacturing and logistics, and human resources.