Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. recently came together to announce their partnership in the development of electric vehicles (EVs). This collaboration aims to align with other Japanese automakers who have already embarked on similar ventures, reflecting a push towards innovation and competitiveness in the realm of EV technology. During a joint news conference, Nissan's President Makoto Uchida and Honda's President Toshihiro Mibe highlighted the importance of this agreement in navigating the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where new players are introducing groundbreaking EV models and business practices.
Both Uchida and Mibe emphasized the significance of leveraging mass sales of EVs to achieve cost advantages, underlining the necessity for collaboration in parts procurement and shared development efforts. The partnership between Nissan and Honda is characterized by discussions on potential strategies to optimize production efficiency through utilizing common main components and jointly working on electric drive systems that integrate motor and gear functions within EVs, ultimately seeking to reduce manufacturing costs. Japanese automakers have faced challenges in the global EV market, particularly in comparison to American and Chinese counterparts, largely due to their traditional focus on gasoline-powered vehicles which has put them at a disadvantage in adapting to the growing demand for electric mobility solutions.
This move by Nissan and Honda to join forces in the realm of electric vehicles may signal a significant shift within the Japanese auto industry. While Nissan has maintained ties with Renault SA and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., it faces the dilemma of how to assert its presence in EV markets beyond Europe, where Renault holds a strong footing. Honda, on the other hand, collaborates with General Motors Co. for EV development in North America, albeit without firm plans for large-scale production of EVs as of now. Additionally, Honda has set a goal to exclusively sell EVs or fuel-cell vehicles by 2040, underscoring its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corp. has already engaged in strategic partnerships with other Japanese automakers like Mazda Motor Corp., Subaru Corp., and Suzuki Motor Corp. for the advancement of EV technologies, indicating a broader trend towards cooperation for future mobility initiatives across the industry.