Nissan, Mitsubishi Forge EV Alliance to Challenge Tesla, Unveil Electric Pickup Plan

In a strategic move to reassert their presence in the evolving automotive landscape, Nissan and Mitsubishi have announced a collaboration to develop an electric pickup truck aimed at the US market.

This partnership emerges as the automakers seek to regain footing in the electric vehicle sector, positioning themselves against giants like Tesla.

Nissan's recent partnership with Honda further underscores its commitment to electrification, signaling a significant shift in strategy as the industry moves away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Nissan and Mitsubishi Accelerate EV Strategy, Announce Electric Pickup for US Market Amid New Alliances

According to Electrek, Nissan announced another collaboration with Japan's Mitsubishi just days after confirming a new EV partnership with rival Honda.

The automakers are banding together after falling behind as the market transitions to electric under their feet. Nissan, once regarded as an EV leader with the launch of the LEAF in 2010, took more than a decade to release its second global EV, the Ariya.

Now, it is making up for lost time. Makoto Uchida, Nissan's CEO, announced the automaker's collaboration plans to enter the US market this week.

According to Automotive News, Nissan will launch its first plug-in hybrid in the United States, utilizing a Mitsubishi-engineered system. On the other hand, Mitsubishi plans to launch its first North American-made EV powered by Nissan's electric technology.

Nissan and Mitsubishi have more extensive plans. They intend to collaborate on developing an electric pickup truck for the US market, which will be manufactured in Mexico. Fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions are being considered.

The model will arrive in the United States as an electric version of Nissan's best-selling pickup truck, the Frontier. It could also help Mitsubishi expand its lineup with the midsize EV pickups that buyers and dealers want.

Nissan and Mitsubishi have been collaborating since 2016. Following the emissions cheating scandal, former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi. The two have collaborated on minicars in Japan, but their top priority is boosting sales in North America.

Nissan's Chief Planning Officer, Ivan Espinosa, stated that the electric pickup will be available between March 31, 2027, and March 31, 3031.

Nissan and Honda Forge Partnership to Pioneer Affordable EVs, Challenge Global Competitors

Earlier this month, a source reported that Nissan and Honda were considering collaborating to introduce more affordable EVs.

Nissan sources told Nikkei that the automaker was interested in collaborating with Honda on battery and electric vehicle development. Nissan and Honda made their partnership official on Friday, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance EV and software development.

Japanese automakers will explore new software platforms, EV components, and related technologies.

Nissan's CEO, Makoto Uchida, stated it is "important to prepare for the increasing pace of transformation in mobility in the mid-to-long term." Uchida added that the collaboration with Honda is "significant" because the two "face common challenges."

Honda's CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, stated that the company will determine whether combining technology and knowledge "will enable us to become industry leaders by creating new value."

After dominating the domestic market, BYD is expanding internationally. BYD declared a "liberation battle" against gasoline-powered vehicles earlier this year, lowering EV prices to under $10,000 (69,800 yuan).

According to the automaker, low prices " directly destroy the moat of joint venture vehicles."

A separate Nikkei report claimed they were drastically reducing production in China after failing to keep up. The move comes as Japanese automakers' market share in the region declines, accounting for 10% to 20% of net profit.

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