Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. recently announced a partnership to jointly work on software-related technologies for electric vehicles, marking a significant step for the Japanese automakers as they aim to keep up with the changing landscape of the automotive industry. This collaboration comes as a response to the dominance of companies like Tesla and China's BYD Co. in the electric vehicle market, highlighting the urgency for traditional automakers to adapt to the shift towards electrification.
During a news conference in Tokyo, Honda President Toshihiro Mibe emphasized the importance of responding to the evolving industry landscape, stating that adaptation to dynamic structural changes is crucial for survival in the competitive market. Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida also expressed the necessity of collaboration, particularly with Mitsubishi Motors Corp., an affiliate of Nissan, to explore synergies and enhance competitiveness in the electric vehicle sector.
The focus of the partnership will be on key areas such as fundamental research for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), battery development, and standardization of the e-axle, a crucial drive unit for electric vehicles. By conducting joint research and aiming to commercialize the results by 2030, Honda and Nissan plan to streamline development processes and reduce costs in order to remain competitive in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. Additionally, the collaboration includes plans for mutual supply of both traditional gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles, indicating a multi-faceted approach towards adapting to the changing consumer demands and technological advancements in the automotive industry.