Honda signs EV MOU with Mitsubishi, Nissan

HONDA, Mitsubishi and Nissan have announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly discuss a framework for “further intelligence and electrification of automobiles” based on the agreement previously entered on March 15 of this year.

“The automobile industry is in a period of transformation said to occur once in a century,” said Honda president and representative executive officer Tosihiro Mibe.

“We expect that the combination of technologies and knowledge cultivated by Nissan and Honda, as well as the strength and experience of Mitsubishi Motors, will enable us to more quickly resolve various issues related to electrification and intelligence on a global scale, and help lead societal reforms as a top runner.”

Honda and Nissan are said to be working together to further accelerate initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and a zero-traffic-accident society.

In anticipation of collaboration in areas such as environment and electrification technologies, and software development, discussions are being “conducted on a broad scope”.

“We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the strategic partnership between Honda and Nissan,” said Nissan president, CEO and representative executive officer Makoto Uchica.

“Mitsubishi Motors has unique technologies and expertise and has been collaborating with Nissan as a partner.

“Through collaboration among the three companies, we expect the partnership to evolve into something that creates greater value, and to deliver unique products and services from each company that meet the diverse needs of customers.”

The duo says that to accelerate this process, it is essential that “new value” is created by “integrating the technologies and knowledge cultivated by each company” and to improve business efficiencies.

The participation of Mitsubishi Motors in the areas of potential collaboration considered and discussed by Honda and Nissan will “not only add new knowledge and strengths” but will also provide “further synergies that can only be generated by the three companies”.

“Nissan and Honda’s discussions on a possible partnership have progressed, and we have decided to participate in this framework,” said Mitsubishi Motors president, CEO and representative executive officer Takao Kato.

“Collaboration with partners is essential in today’s automotive industry, which is undergoing rapid changes due to technological innovations such as electrification and intelligence.

“We believe that we can discover new possibilities in a variety of fields through collaboration among the three companies.”