Renault-Nissan scores another milestone

in the small compact vehicle category, the Micra.
Despite its unique design what makes this car’s production so special to the Renault and Nissan family is that about 100 000 Micras were built in just 13 months.
So this year is one of celebration for employees at the Renault Nissan Alliance India (Pvt) Ltd as the Company has crossed yet another milestone after this phenomenal production feet.
The plant started manufacturing the 1,2 litre petrol engine in May 2010 and had crossed the 100 000 mark by last month.
Besides the 1,2 litre petrol engine, the plant has also started manufacturing the 1,5 litre petrol engine for the new mid-size Sedan Sunny.
Commenting on the new milestone achievement RNAIPL chief executive and managing director Mr Kou Kimura, said: “The plant has set milestones that are creditable on a global level.
“It makes me feel proud of the local skill-set that are driving it to such high levels. I dedicate this achievement to the people of Tamil Nadu for their endearing spirit and zeal to achieve such high levels of commitment in their work and passion for the company.”
The petrol engine range is part of the project called “Nissan Green Project 2010″‘ which is an initiative taken by the Company to reduce the levels of carbon emissions in its cars.
The company has been working relentlessly to make its engines more efficient and is committed to global leadership in zero emission mobility.
The Nissan Micra is the first car to have a HR12DE engine that was developed in pursuit of lighter weight and a smaller size than previous engines in the compact car class. It requires fewer moving parts compared to the more commonly used 4-cylinder engines.
By applying bore circularity machining to the cylinder block, friction is reduced by 20 percent compared to the conventional four-cylinder engines.
Moreover, improved noise vibration performance at a level equivalent to that of a four-cylinder engine has been achieved by adjusting the weight balance of the engine’s rotary shaft. This helps to increase the power output, higher fuel efficiency and the life of the engine.
The RNAIPL plant currently manufactures the Nissan Micra and Renault Fluence. Production of Nissan Sunny and Renault Koleos will commence shortly.
The global alliance between Nissan and Renault operates in India as Renault-Nissan Automotive India (Pvt) Ltd. which is responsible for manufacturing of all Nissan Products in India.
In February 2008, Nissan, together with its global alliance partner Renault signed a MoU with the government of Tamil Nadu to set up a manufacturing plant at Oragadam, near Chennai, with an investment of 45 billion rupees over a period of seven years.
On March 17 last year the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant was inaugurated in a record time of 21 months since its groundbreaking ceremony in June 2008.
The plant has an initial capacity of 200 000 units per year and can reach 400 000 units at full capacity in the future. I believe that after such a feat, the Renault and Nissan family requires due recognition.
Coming back home, just a reminder – in five weeks Harare will be holding the SpinFest. It is the most adrenaline pumping auto sport in history and will be held right here in Harare at the Borrowdale Racecourse. With spinners all the way from South Africa, media people and fanatics from Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and our very own Zimbabweans this is bound to compete with the Toyota 1000 Desert race or even the Dakar races.
Just as it is written in Matthew 20:16: “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”
We are truly a chosen nation, with the SpinFest we will see growth in our tourism and hopefully we will make the headlines internationally.
A lot will be happening with BMWs dominating and drivers doing all crazy stuff like jumping out of the cars or even doing push ups on the roof.
So please do not miss this event of the year.
Till next week, be safe.

l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected].