Mitsubishi could decline the Honda-Nissan alliance in order to preserve its independence… and a juicy partnership !
Mitsubishi is hesitant to join the proposed merger between Honda and Nissan, although it already collaborates with these brands on joint projects, particularly in terms of electric vehicles. This reluctance is explained by a major fear that its role will be eclipsed in an entity dominated by two automobile giants.
In 2023, Honda produced 4.2 million vehicles, compared to 3.5 million for Nissan. By comparison, Mitsubishi only made just over a million units, making it a significantly smaller player. And again, out of this million many are not 100% Mitsubishi because Renault already provides Mitsubishi with shared platforms and technologies. This partnership gave birth to the Mitsubishi ASX, a non-hybrid Renault Captur, offered at a higher price than its French cousin. In October 2023, Mitsubishi launched the Colt, a city car based on the recently facelifted Renault Clio. Added to this is the project for a future Scenic model, currently in preparation to integrate the Mitsubishi range with specific adjustments. An alliance with Honda and Nissan would not guarantee such technological support and could further reduce its influence, a risk that the brand seems reluctant to take. Although Nissan remains its main shareholder, with its share reduced to 24% after the purchase of shares by Mitsubishi last November, the company seems to have desires elsewhere. So a little share exchange with Renault?
A beneficial alternative for all could therefore well be a strengthening of its partnership with Renault. This strategy would allow Mitsubishi to remain competitive in its markets, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia.
-Officially, Mitsubishi has not yet confirmed its position. She continues to evaluate options and insists that rumors surrounding her participation are not based on validated information. If it decides not to engage in the merger, Mitsubishi could continue its current collaborations, particularly with Renault, and continue to target its niche markets. The final decision is expected by the end of January.
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