New Vehicle News – Mitsubishi joins Nissan-Renault

By Unsealed 4X4 3 Min Read

Cash-strapped Mitsi gets a boost from rivals Nissan – new ‘Pajol’ on the horizon? Following this year’s emissions debacle, Nissan-Renault has jumped in to salvage what’s left of the struggling automaker.

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has become its largest shareholder after completing the purchase of 34% of MMC-issued stock for 237 billion JPY (just shy of $3 billion AUD).

 

For images, videos and the full Unsealed 4X4 experience, read this in our online magazine.

 

As part of Nissan’s strategic investment, MMC will become a full member of the 17-year strong global alliance between Nissan and Renault – paving the way for synergies to enhance profit margins and earnings per share.

MMC President and Chief Executive Officer Osamu Masuko has welcomed Nissan’s involvement and has stated that Nissan will help the company to rebuild customer trust.

 

Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn said: “The expanded Alliance will be one of the largest automotive groups in the world, with annual sales of 10 million units in fiscal year 2016. The addition of Mitsubishi Motors will build on the entrepreneurial spirit and management co-operation that has characterised our alliance with Renault for 17 years.”

 

So as part of this merger I expect we will see a number of shared technologies in upcoming vehicles, such as in the new Navara-based wagon (currently being developed). It’s certainly a deal that will benefit both parties… especially with Mitsubishi’s next-gen traction systems already in the new Pajero Sport, which I think will begin to make their way into Nissans of the future. I won’t be surprised if we also see some of Renault’s small engine tech going the other way into Mitsi’s smaller SUVs.

Also, does this mean there will be new Nissan diesels (which they seem to have abandoned at the moment) in the future? Or will Mitsubishi handle all the light commercial and 4X4 vehicles and Nissan-Renault develop all the smaller passenger vehicles?


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