Renault, Brilliance China Automotive Form Commercial Vehicle Venture

Renault SA and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. have formed a joint venture out of Brilliance’s struggling light-duty commercial vehicle operations.

The partners are investing a combined 1.5 billion yuan ($221 million) in Shenyang Brilliance JinBei Automobile Co. in a deal that will give Renault a 49% stake in the restructured manufacturing and sales venture.

The arrangement will give Renault a presence in China’s light commercial vehicle market and bolster JinBei’s management and product capabilities. The venture also will help revive JinBei’s minibus business and tap Renault’s strong portfolio of light commercial vehicles.