Japanese car-makers Nissan and Honda have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligent mobility.
The scope of the feasibility study includes automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs and “complementary products” that could fast-track the global rollout of electric cars from the two auto giants, both of which are well behind the leading brands in the Australian market.
“It is important to prepare for the increasing pace of transformation in mobility in the mid-to-long-term, and it is significant that we have reached this agreement based on a mutual understanding that Honda and Nissan face common challenges,” said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida.
“We look forward to further discussions and aim to find win-wins for sustainable growth.”
However, Honda has subsequently shown a couple of key new vehicles – the Afeela EV developed in conjunction with tech giant Sony, and the 0 Series Saloon concept.
An electric Prelude sports car has also been previewed, which could also form the basis of a reborn (electric) Nissan 200SX.
“In this period of once-in-a-century transformation in the automotive industry, we will examine the potential for partnership between Nissan and Honda,” Honda president and director Toshihiro Mibe said.
“Our study criteria will be whether the synergy of the technologies and knowledge that our companies have cultivated will enable us to become industry leaders by creating new value for the automotive industry.”
