Japanese automakers Nissan Motor and Honda Motor have agreed to conduct joint research into technologies for a next-generation software platform, according to a joint statement released on Thursday. This collaboration marks a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership announced in March, where both companies pledged to cooperate in areas such as batteries, e-axles, and vehicle complementation.
In addition to their partnership, Nissan and Honda signed another memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Motors, which is 34% owned by Nissan, to discuss a framework for vehicle electrification based on the March agreement between Honda and Nissan. This collaboration aims to enhance their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market.
Nissan and Honda plan to conduct basic research into next-generation software technologies over the next year. This initiative comes as both companies, Japan’s second and third largest automakers after Toyota, seek to significantly boost their EV sales. They have been losing market share in key regions, particularly China, where they have made substantial investments but face stiff competition from global legacy brands and emerging players like Tesla and China’s BYD.
Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe emphasized the benefits of this cooperation, highlighting that factors such as data processing capabilities and the number of engineers working on software development are crucial for competitiveness. By collaborating, Nissan and Honda aim to standardize specifications for EV battery cell modules, enabling the use of procured batteries across vehicles from both companies.
The joint research will also explore the potential for supplying lithium-ion EV batteries made by L-H Battery Company, a joint venture between Honda and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, to Nissan in North America from 2028 onwards. Additionally, they aim to standardize the specifications of e-axles for future generations of battery-powered vehicles, further aligning their technological advancements.
This strategic collaboration is expected to bolster both companies’ positions in the global automotive market, leveraging shared expertise and resources to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation EV technologies.