Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan Motor are planning to form a joint venture aimed at developing autonomous driving technology, according to a report from the Yomiuri newspaper. The new company is expected to be established in March 2025, with both automakers holding equal stakes in the venture.
This strategic partnership is designed to combine resources and expertise in order to enhance services related to autonomous driving, a rapidly advancing field within the automotive sector.
In addition to focusing on the development of autonomous driving systems, the collaboration will also investigate the potential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries to serve as energy storage solutions, marking a significant step toward more sustainable energy practices.
In June 2024, Nissan began public road demonstrations of its latest prototype equipped with proprietary autonomous drive technologies in Japan, which aligns with its objective of launching autonomous mobility services by fiscal year 2027. The prototype, based on the Nissan LEAF, is outfitted with an extensive array of sensors, including 14 cameras, 10 radars, and 6 LIDAR sensors. This comprehensive sensor suite, particularly the roof-mounted sensors, enhances the vehicle’s detection capabilities, allowing it to perceive its environment more accurately and navigate complex scenarios.
Furthermore, in July 2024, Mitsubishi Motors signed a nondisclosure agreement with Honda and Nissan, initiating discussions to potentially join their automotive alliance. This collaboration will concentrate on software development and may extend into vehicle development, reflecting the industry’s ongoing shift toward innovation and collaboration in the face of evolving technological demands.
