Nissan, Mitsubishi to collaborate further on EVs
Nissan & Mitsubishi to explore a joint initiative in making next-gen EVs
It's not only Honda and Nissan that are partnering up to develop & build electric vehicles (EVs). Nissan and Mitsubishi are also teaming up to explore a joint initiative in building next-generation EVs.
Recently, the two automakers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new businesses in making EVs to contribute to solving regional societal issues and to create vibrant future communities. With Japan itself having a declining population, driver shortages, and difficulties maintaining public transportation due to decreasing ridership, Nissan and Mitsubishi will undertake various initiatives to solve these challenges.
Nissan's initiatives include mobility services in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, and autonomous driving tests in the Yokohama Minato Mirai District to achieve free movement for more people. Moreover, the automaker is also developing energy management systems by utilizing EV battery storage and charging/discharging functions in combination with renewable energy.
On the other hand, Mitsubishi is collaborating with partners and local governments to address social and industrial challenges through initiatives. These include (1) utilizing regional energy resources including renewable energy, (2) achieving carbon neutrality, and (3) creating attractive communities by solving local issues.
When it comes to mobility, Mitsubishi has been broadening its measures to improve transportation challenges through the implementation of AI on-demand transportation for local governments and private companies. They have been conducting autonomous driving demonstrations using digital solutions in various cities in Japan.
“Through exciting vehicles and technologies, Nissan is building a smart ecosystem that expands both the possibilities of mobility for people and the potential of society. We want to help solve regional issues and create future-centered cities through new mobility services and energy management. MC shares our motivation, and together we will study a robust and sustainable business model,” said Makoto Uchida, Nissan president & CEO.
On the other hand, Katsuya Nakanishi, president & CEO of Mitsubishi, shared that they aim to work with Nissan to explore the creation of sustainable business models to address Japan's societal challenges.
“As the mobility sector undergoes significant transformation due to technological innovation and decarbonization, MC, through its EX- DX integrated approach outlined in its mid-term management strategy, MC Shared Value 2024, aims to work with Nissan to explore the creation of sustainable business models that address Japan's societal challenges,” added Nakanishi.
With Mitsubishi and Nissan set to make more EVs and support a business model for such vehicles, we're hoping that this partnership also results in making EVs for other markets as well.
