TOKYO. Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to collaborate on electric vehicle (EV) components and autonomous driving technologies. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will join this partnership, underscoring the need for scale and speed in adapting to the rapidly changing auto industry.
The partnership, initially outlined in a preliminary agreement in March, will see Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. share crucial EV components, including batteries, motors, and inverters for EV axles. The companies aim to leverage economies of scale to drive down costs and boost technological advancements.
“We cannot survive if we do not adapt to these changes,” said Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe. “If we try to do everything on our own, we cannot catch up.” His sentiment was echoed by Nissan’s CEO, Makoto Uchida, who emphasized the urgency of the collaboration.
The two companies, which once competed fiercely, will now pool resources in component and software development. Mibe and Uchida referred to this as “making friends” to achieve mutual benefits. While specific details on potential capital investments were not disclosed, the companies did not rule out future mutual ownership stakes.
The collaboration also aims to align their model lineups to complement each other across global markets, including both internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs. Additionally, Nissan and Honda will explore joint ventures in energy services within Japan. Mitsubishi’s involvement adds further strength to the alliance.
Toyota Motor Corp., Japan’s largest automaker, is notably absent from this collaboration.
Despite their differing corporate cultures, Mibe and Uchida acknowledged a shared spirit among their engineers and workers, which they believe will facilitate a successful partnership. “Speed is the most crucial element, considering our size,” Uchida remarked, stressing the need to keep pace with rapidly advancing competitors like China’s BYD.
“In coming together, we will show that one plus one will add up to become more than two,” Uchida concluded, highlighting the potential for their joint efforts to surpass their individual capabilities.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
