Renault-Nissan buying cuts costs.(Suppliers)

Byline: Sylviane de Saint-Seine Automotive News Europe

The Renault Nissan Purchasing Organization beat its savings target by 10 percent last year, said Chairman and Managing Director Jean-Baptiste Duzan.

Renault and alliance partner Nissan set up the organization in April 2001 to obtain lower parts prices while generating economies of scale for suppliers. Together, Renault and Nissan form the world's fifth largest carmaker.

The key to the Renault Nissan Purchasing Organization's success, said Duzan, was Renault's careful handling of its relationship with Nissan. Renault ...