Alliances and joint ventures are nothing new in the automotive business. But in a bid to further cut down cost and accelerate development, we’re seeing more automakers work together for a common goal.
Lately, the Japanese automakers have been forming cooperations and agreements amongst themselves. You’ve heard of Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota teaming up to evolve the internal combustion engine, while Honda and Nissan have been putting a greater effort on electrification.
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Now, there’s a new member joining team Honda and Nissan. That company is Mitsubishi, and it’s a huge deal for all players involved. According to Nikkei, Mitsubishi has signed a nondisclosure agreement with the other two automakers to get the ball in motion.
The goal of the alliance is to standardize vehicle software and ensure future-proofing of its electrified and full electric platforms and vehicles. So, what can Mitsubishi contribute to this cooperation?
Honda has their solid e:HEV hybrid drive system, while Nissan has the innovative e-Power tech. Mitsubishi can bring its plug-in hybrid expertise to the table. After all, its Outlander PHEV was once Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Honda and Nissan don’t sell scores of PHEVs in other parts of the world, and Mitsubishi’s input might be helpful.
Nikkei also reports that Mitsubishi can lend some knowhow in the field of SUVs to Honda, although that seems far fetched by some accounts. However, all three could also work together to form a new family of kei cars, likely a slew of battery-powered models. Affordable EVs are also in the pipeline in a bid to turn the tide against China’s low-cost EV barrage.
