Nissan is exploring the possibility of establishing a partnership with Honda, another leading Japanese car manufacturer, to jointly develop electric vehicles (EVs). This collaboration could extend to joint procurement of components and co-development of EV technologies.
Honda's Position on the Collaboration
While Nissan is actively considering this partnership, Honda's stance on the collaboration remains uncertain. The discussions within Nissan are reportedly at an initial stage, and further details about Honda's involvement are yet to be clarified.
Implications for the Indian Market
The Indian automotive market has seen a surge in demand for electric vehicles. However, Nissan and Honda are among the few major car manufacturers that have not yet entered this growing segment in India. Honda has previously announced its 'ACE' project, aiming to transform its Indian business into an electric vehicle hub. An electric vehicle based on the Honda Elevate is anticipated to be part of this project, with a launch expected in approximately two years.
Nissan's EV Strategy in India
Nissan is preparing to introduce four new models in India, including a facelift for the Magnite SUV. Among the upcoming vehicles is an entry-level hatchback based on the CMF-AEV platform, which will compete with the MG Comet and Tata Tiago EV. However, the specific timeline for the launch of Nissan's EVs in India has not been confirmed yet.
The potential partnership between Nissan and Honda could significantly impact the electric vehicle market especially in the face of competition from Chinese players like BYD. While the collaboration is still in the early stages of discussion it represents a strategic move to develop a common EV powertrain and reduce costs. The outcome of this partnership could also influence the availability and affordability of electric vehicles in India and other global markets.