Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi join hands for the development of EVs and software

KUALA LUMPUR: The aggressive expansion of China’s auto industry is reshaping the automotive landscape at the global level. The Chinese carmakers are offering a wide range of vehicles at affordable prices, which is pushing well-established car companies from other regions to rethink their strategies to stay competitive. The latest example is the Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi deal.

Honda - Nissan deal

On March 15 this year, Honda and Nissan agreed to undertake a feasibility study to find out how the two brands work together to manufacture EVs, EVs components, and EV-related software. They signed a non-binding MoU to look at the potential partnership that will help them achieve economies of scale in producing electric vehicles as Japan is facing heavy competition from Chinese automakers like BYD and American EV giant Tesla.

Well, earlier this month, these two Japanese automotive companies agreed to carry out joint research in fundamental technologies in the area of platforms for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs). 

As per the signed MoU, Honda and Nissan will conduct joint research on the next-generation SDV platform. The basic research is expected to be completed in about a year, after which the possibility of mass production will be considered.

Other key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include batteries, e-axles, vehicle complementation, and energy services in Japan. The companies will collaborate on battery technology to standardise modules for EVs and potentially share lithium-ion batteries by 2028. 

Honda - Nissan - Mitsubishi deal

The Honda-Nissan alliance formed in March widened to include one more Japanese automaker i.e. Mitsubishi earlier in August. They all have agreed to work together to enhance the intelligence and electrification of their vehicles. This MOU aims to explore a collaborative framework, building on a previous agreement between Nissan and Honda. 

To accelerate the process of achieving carbon neutrality and a zero-traffic-accident society, automakers are ready to combine their technologies and knowledge and improve business efficiencies. Mitsubishi will add new knowledge and strengths in the areas of potential collaboration and provide further synergies that will open up new business opportunities for the three companies.

"The automobile industry is in a period of transformation said to occur once in a century. We expect that the combination of technologies and knowledge cultivated by Nissan and Honda, as well as the strength and experience of Mitsubishi Motors, will enable us to more quickly resolve various issues related to electrification and intelligence on a global scale, and help lead societal reforms as a top runner," says Toshihiro Mibe, President and Representative Executive Officer, Honda.

"We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the strategic partnership between Honda and Nissan. Mitsubishi Motors has unique technologies and expertise and has been collaborating with Nissan as a partner. Through collaboration among the three companies, we expect the partnership to evolve into something that creates greater value, and to deliver unique products and services from each company that meet the diverse needs of customers," Makoto Uchida, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO, Nissan.

"Nissan and Honda’s discussions on a possible partnership have progressed, and we have decided to participate in this framework. Collaboration with partners is essential in today's automotive industry, which is undergoing rapid changes due to technological innovations such as electrification and intelligence. We believe that we can discover new possibilities in a variety of fields through collaboration among the three companies,” said Takao Kato, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors.

Well, Japanese automakers seem to have some big plans to face off against Chinese competition. What they achieve together remains to be seen.

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