If Chinese car manufacturers, well supported by the state, have built a significant lead in electric vehicles compared to the rest of the world, the Japanese, on the other hand, are lagging behind. Even compared to Europe. However, the response is being prepared, so much so that three of the largest national manufacturers would consider teaming up to catch up on their delay!
While the second and third Japanese car manufacturers, Honda and Nissan, both behind Toyota, have already announced in March that they intend to form a strategic partnership, they could ultimately join forces with Mitsubishi. At least that’s what the Japanese newspaper Nikkei reports.
In fact, despite all the rivalries that may have existed between the different manufacturers in the past, the potential alliance of Mitsubishi with Honda and Nissan is not a real surprise. Nissan and Mitsubishi are part of the Alliance with Renault, and Nissan holds a 34% stake in Mitsubishi.
This new alliance between the three manufacturers would focus on software platforms and basic components related to electric vehicles. The idea would be to standardize embedded software and develop remote updates. With Mitsubishi joining the equation, it would benefit from the software developed by Nissan and Honda, while Tokyo-based firm would offer its expertise to Honda on plug-in hybrids.
The potential collaboration of these three manufacturers is reminiscent, a few months ago, of that between Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru. However, the latter three focused on the development of hybrid combustion engines or engines compatible with carbon-neutral synthetic fuels.
One thing is certain, this new alliance of three reassures investors, which was immediately reflected in the stock market as Mitsubishi’s shares rose by 6.3% after the announcement, even though not yet official, as did those of Nissan (+2.8%) and Honda (+2.6%).