Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors to sign memorandum of understanding to explore strategic partnership, agree on next-generation SDV platform, battery and e-Axle standardization

vroomdigestJapanese cars1 year ago31 Views

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan), Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda), and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Mitsubishi Motors) have been exploring a strategic partnership based on a memorandum of understanding signed on March 15, 2024. It was announced on August 1, 2024, that Mitsubishi Motors will join the discussions. The three companies have signed an agreement to jointly research the fundamental element technologies of a platform for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs) to promote the advancement of intelligent and electrified vehicles. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding was signed to deepen the strategic partnership, aiming to further advance cooperation toward the realization of a carbon-neutral, accident-free society.

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Joint research into next-generation SDV platforms

Nissan and Honda have begun joint research into the fundamental technologies of a next-generation SDV platform. With software becoming increasingly important, this research aims to combine the technologies and expertise of both companies to develop a more competitive vehicle. The first year of basic research will be conducted, and the results will be used to explore the feasibility of mass production development.

Cooperation in the battery field

Nissan and Honda are considering cooperation with a view to standardizing and mutual supply of batteries, a key component of EVs. This will reduce the investment burden of both companies, cutting costs, and enable the provision of a wide range of batteries, from high-output to affordable. In particular, Nissan and Honda plan to supply EV lithium-ion batteries produced by LH Battery Company, Inc. to the North American market from 2028 onwards.

Standardization of e-Axle

Nissan and Honda aim to standardize specifications for the e-Axle, a core component of next-generation EVs, in the medium to long term. As a first step, they have agreed to proceed with sharing motors and inverters.

Complementary vehicles

The two companies are also in discussions about complementary models for the global market. They are identifying complementary models and regions for gasoline-powered vehicles and EVs, and are establishing a framework for concrete product consideration.

Domestic energy services and resource circulation

We are also considering cooperation in the areas of energy services and resource circulation, such as providing charging infrastructure and energy services in Japan, and battery recycling.

Through these initiatives, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi Motors aim to strengthen their leadership in technological innovation and environmental response at a time of transformation in the automotive industry, and to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Comment from Makoto Uchida, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

“We are very pleased to have Mitsubishi Motors join our partnership with Honda. We are confident that our collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors will enable the products and services offered by our three companies to meet an even greater variety of needs.”

Comment from Toshihiro Mibe, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

“As the automotive industry enters a once-in-a-century period of transformation, I hope that by combining the technologies and expertise of Nissan and Honda with the strengths of Mitsubishi Motors, we can accelerate the resolution of global issues and demonstrate leadership.”

Comment from Takao Kato, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation:

“Amidst the advancement of technological innovation in electrification and intelligent vehicles, I am honored to be part of this collaboration with Nissan and Honda. Through cooperation between our three companies, I look forward to exploring new possibilities and making progress in a variety of fields.”