Don’t Be Surprised When Your Next Nissan Revs Like A Honda

Nissan and Honda have announced an agreement to conduct joint research on technology that will further the next generation of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This follows the memorandum of understanding that was signed by Nissan and Honda in March when the Japanese duo looked into a strategic alliance in the electric era.

The duo are discussing various issues, ranging from carbon-neutral technology and “a traffic-accident-free society.” Perhaps most importantly, both Nissan and Honda are investing heavily in electrification, but the duo also aim to integrate technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and connectivity, all of which are expensive to develop.

• Mitsubishi

  Mitsubishi is a Japanese automaker founded in 1870 and is part of the Mitsubishi Group and broader Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Mitsubishi Motors officially started producing passenger vehicles in 1917, the Mitsubishi Model-A, before building a legacy as the manufacturer of off-roaders like the Pajero. Mitsubishi established a strong presence in motorsport, with models like the Lancer Evolution competing in WRC and the Pajero Evolution taking multiple wins in the Dakar Rally. Its best-ever sales year in the USA was 2002, when it sold 345,915 cars.

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  Honda

  Japanese automaker Honda rose from the ashes of WWII and set about its business as a manufacturer of motorcycles initially, only launching its first car, the T360 kei truck, in 1963. Founder Soichiro Honda targeted the American market as the most important nut to crack, leading to generations of iconic nameplates like the Civic and Accord being among America’s best-selling passenger cars. Today, Hondas are renowned for their safety, practicality, and reliability, with a sprinkling of performance from models like the Civic Type R.

Next-Generation SDV Platform A Priority

Per the announcement, the next-generation SDV platform is being referred to as the “cornerstone of the field of intelligence.” In the next year, Nissan and Honda hope to complete “basic research” and, based on the findings, will consider how it can be put into mass production. Nissan and Honda will also develop battery technology to be shared by the two companies, with a varied range of options, from low-cost to high-output, allowing the automakers to power different sorts of EVs.

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Not only will this help the automakers meet volume demands, but co-development means costs will be kept down, which could potentially lead to lower prices, benefitting the consumer directly. The companies will also look into the supply of lithium-ion batteries produced by Honda and LG Energy Solution’s joint venture, to be supplied to Nissan North America after 2028.

Honda And Nissan To Share Vehicles?

Aside from that, Nissan and Honda have agreed to standardize the specifications of their e-Axles “over the medium to long-term,” allowing them to be used in next-generation electric cars from both brands. For now, the first step will be to share inverters and electric motors.

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Rather interestingly, Honda and Nissan may consider sharing models “from a short-term to medium- to long-term perspective.” So far, the companies have reached an agreement on which models and in which regions they would use this strategy, but it would allow both automakers to plug gaps in their respective lineups. Both electric and combustion-engined vehicles are being considered for this.

And What About Mitsubishi?

Earlier this week, reports out of Japan suggested that Mitsubishi would join the alliance, allowing the manufacturer to benefit from everything mentioned above. However, the three automakers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss electrification. Adding Mitsubishi into the mix introduces more strengths and knowledge that can be leveraged, strengthening all three companies as they fight cheap Chinese imports, Tesla, and other mainstream automakers.