Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi to Share Technology for Future Vehicles

JAKARTA - Three Japanese car manufacturers, namely Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, have the potential to switch to standard electronic control units (ECU) in their next-generation models. This is a cost-saving measure to remain relevant in an increasingly crowded market.

Citing Carscoops, Monday, June 29, it is said that the new ECU will include all the autonomous driving and onboard infotainment functions required for future software-based vehicles (SDV).

This ECU will be used by hybrid and electric models, and although some details of the deal still need to be worked out, an agreement could be reached in a few weeks.

Nikkei Asia reported that the framework for development and procurement still needs to be improved. The main hope is that the expansion of the procurement of common components will help Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi reduce costs and compete better with Chinese brands and Tesla.

The use of shared ECUs may be just the beginning. Honda and Nissan are also reportedly considering a move toward common onboard software and operating systems for their software-based vehicles in the future.

In fact, the two brands continue to work together on several projects. Over the past six months, they have been working to establish a joint production partnership in North America, although the deal has not been finalized. The partnership could see Nissan supply pickup trucks to Honda and Mitsubishi, while the companies could also collaborate on the development of large vehicles in the future.

According to a March report, Nissan will produce Honda pickup trucks at its Canton assembly plant, which has not been operating at full capacity since Nissan scrapped plans last year to build two electric sedans at the site.

With the issue of partnership between the three giant manufacturers above, of course, it is very interesting to look forward to. Moreover, previously there were rumors of an alliance merger of the three brands above.