2010 Renault Latitude

2010 Renault Latitude

The effects of Renault-Nissan’s recent tie-up with Daimler won’t just benefit Nissan and its upmarket Infiniti brand, according to latest comments from the French-Japanese duo's CEO Carlos Ghosn.

While Nissan and Infiniti will be sharing whole platforms and engines with Daimler's Mercedes-Benz, French automaker Renault is also expected to gain access to some of Mercedes’ technology for a new high-end model.

Ghosn revealed that Renault would collaborate with Mercedes-Benz on a high-end model during an interview with French radio last week, according to Autoweek.

The latest comments follow previous claims made by Ghosn that Renault was considering using Mercedes technology for a future high-end model. No specific details on the new model have been revealed though Renault is planning to launch new versions of current high-end models--the Espace, Laguna, and Vel Satis--starting from 2014.

Currently, Renault’s flagship is the Latitude sedan, which is produced in South Korea by Samsung Motors. By collaborating with Mercedes, Renault could replace the Latitude or one its other high-end models much more cheaply than developing a car from scratch.

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche

Renault hasn’t had much luck building and selling high-end models, something Ghosn acknowledges will need to be addressed. By partnering with Mercedes-Benz, perhaps Renault will finally overcome this challenge and help boost sales in the markets where its are sold.

In return, Renault will be providing Mercedes-Benz with small car know-how by supplying its platform for the next-generation Twingo minicar to Mercedes’ Smart brand, which will use it for its next ForTwo due out next year.

Note, Renault is also believed to be planning a new sports car model to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Alpine Renault A110 Berlinetta. We may get a taste of this modern-day Alpine in the form of a tribute concept at the 2012 Paris Auto Show this fall.