Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have officially announced a strategic partnership to advance electric vehicles and automotive software. The alliance initially formed between Honda and Nissan in March now includes Mitsubishi, marking a significant consolidation in Japan's auto industry.
The collaboration focuses on developing next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs) by 2028, improving autonomous driving technology, connectivity, and artificial intelligence. Key components like electric motors, inverters, and e-Axles will be jointly procured, and the companies aim to standardize EV batteries to be interchangeable across their brands. This move is expected to streamline production and reduce costs, enhancing their competitiveness against global rivals, particularly from China.
In North America, Nissan plans to source lithium-ion batteries from Honda's joint venture with LG Energy Solution starting in 2028. Additionally, Honda and Nissan will supply each other with vehicle models to complement their lineups, a strategy known as "mutual vehicle complementation."
This expanded alliance is crucial as the automotive industry faces rapid changes and increasing competition. With Mitsubishi joining, the combined sales of these automakers exceed 8 million vehicles annually, positioning them to better compete with the Toyota-led group, which includes Subaru, Mazda, and Suzuki, and collectively sells over 16M vehicles a year.
The partnership underscores a shared urgency to innovate and scale up, ensuring their survival and growth in the evolving automotive landscape. By pooling resources and expertise, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are gearing up to face the challenges of the future head-on.