Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan) and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) announced today that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding under which they will begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligence.
To further accelerate efforts toward carbon neutrality and zero traffic-accident fatalities, it will be essential to strengthen environmental and electrification technologies as well as software development. The two companies have reached the understanding based on the belief that it is necessary to combine their strengths and explore the possibility of future collaboration.
The scope of the feasibility study includes automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products.
Makoto Uchida, president and CEO, said: “It is important to prepare for the increasing pace of transformation in mobility in the mid-to-long-term, and it is significant that we have reached this agreement based on a mutual understanding that Honda and Nissan face common challenges. We look forward to further discussions and aim to find win-wins for sustainable growth.”
Toshihiro Mibe, Honda director, president and representative executive officer, said: “In this period of once-in-a-century transformation in the automotive industry, we will examine the potential for partnership between Nissan and Honda. Our study criteria will be whether the synergy of the technologies and knowledge that our companies have cultivated will enable us to become industry leaders by creating new value for the automotive industry.”
Copyright ©2024 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.
YOKOHAMA, Japan – WEBWIRE – Monday, November 6, 2023
The 2023 Super GT Series concluded with a heart-pounding finale at Mobility Resort Motegi in Tochigi Prefecture on November 5. Displaying remarkable resilience in difficult driving conditions, the #23 Z held its ground and ultimately finished in second place. The #1 Z, which had climbed up from 10th on the grid, secured an impressive fourth place finish.
The results of the final round solidified the season standings, with three Nissan Z GT500 cars finishing in the top five. The #3 Z ended the season in second, the #23 Z in third, and the #1 Z in fifth. While Nissan narrowly missed out on back-to-back title wins, the season showcased the speed and strength of the Nissan Z GT500.
Leading the Nissan/NISMO camps into the finale was the #3 Niterra MOTUL Z, which entered the final round in second in the rankings. The stage was set for a gripping battle, with the #3 Z securing pole position and further strengthening its chances of securing the series title. As the race kicked off under cloudy skies, the tension in the air was palpable. Katsumasa Chiyo in the #3 Z, started from pole position and defended his lead fiercely. Ronnie Quintarelli in the #23 MOTUL AUTECH Z showcased remarkable skill, moving up to fourth position. The early laps of the race saw the competitors continue to vie for position, with the #3 Z leading the pack, the #23 Z following in fourth, the #24 Z in fifth, and the #1 Z in ninth.
The race took its first turn around lap five when rain began to fall on parts of the track. The changing weather conditions posed a challenge, causing some cars to lose positions while others capitalized. Bertrand Baguette in the #1 MARELLI IMPUL Z displayed solid driving, steadily moving up the ranks and reaching fifth place by lap 10. The #24 REALIZE CORPORATION ADVAN Z, unfortunately, struggled to maintain its pace in the rain, leading to an early pit stop after 13 laps for a tire change and refueling.
As the rain subsided, the #3 Z continued to dominate, widening the gap with the rest of the field. By lap 41, after all GT500 class cars had completed their pit stops, the #3 Z regained its lead. However, the race was far from over. The #23 Z, after briefly dropping to fourth, made a strong comeback in the intensifying rain, reclaiming third by lap 57. The #1 Z also showcased impressive driving, moving up to fourth.
In the closing laps, the increasing rain made the track conditions challenging, resulting in a thrilling battle for supremacy. The #3 Z, running alone in the lead, unfortunately lost control on lap 59, going off course and dropping to 13th position.
#23 Z driver Tsugio Matsuda stated, The last 15 laps of my stint were tough and I was overtaken. However, I fought back by being fast in the rain and was able to close the gap with the top cars. Quintarelli followed, It was a good race for the #23 Z to finish on the podium in second place and to take third in the championship.
In the GT300 class five Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 cars competed, with the #56 REALIZE NISSAN MECHANIC CHALLENGE GT-R achieving an impressive sixth place finish after starting from the back of the grid in 24th. The #56 GT-R finished the season in third place in the GT300 series standings.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Mitsubishi Motors), and NMKV Co., Ltd. (NMKV) today announced that cumulative production of the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi Motors eK X EV electric minivehicles has reached 50,000 units since production started approximately one year ago. Both vehicles are produced at Mitsubishi Motors’ Mizushima Plant in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The Sakura and eK X EV are a new generation of minivehicles that are planned, developed, and managed by NMKV, a joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. Both models have won numerous awards, such as the 2022-2023 Japan Car of the Year award, RJC Car of the Year award, and Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (JAHFA) Car of the Year award. As fully electric minivehicles, the two models have also been highly acclaimed for their ideal form of mobility for Japan in the decarbonization era. For these two pioneering EV companies to produce EVs at this scale, the two companies achieved high-quality and cost-competitive production by combining Nissan’s cutting-edge EV production technologies with the EV-minivehicle production technologies that Mitsubishi Motors developed through production of the i-MiEV, the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, and the Minicab MiEV. Through NMKV, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors will continue to further enhance the Sakura and eK X EV as products and deliver them to even more customers in Japan.
Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network. Renault Group, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the members of one of the world’s leading automotive alliances, today announced common projects and actions to accelerate and to shape their shared future towards 2030, focusing on the mobility value chain. Highlights: A year and a half after announcing its new cooperation business model to support member-company competitiveness and profitability, the Alliance is now based on solid foundations, benefits from an efficient operational governance organization and from intensified as well as flexible cooperation. Continuing the Leader-Follower scheme defined in May 2020, select technology is developed by one leading team with the support of the followers, thereby allowing each member of the Alliance to access all the key technologies. The Alliance has defined a common 2030 roadmap on pure-EV and Intelligent & Connected mobility, sharing investments for the benefits of its three-member companies and their customers. “Among the world’s automotive leaders, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is a proven, unique model. For 22 years, we have been building on our respective cultures and strengths for our common benefit,” said Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Alliance. “Today the Alliance is accelerating to lead the mobility revolution and deliver more value to customers, our people, our shareholders and all our stakeholders. The three member-companies have defined a common roadmap towards 2030, sharing investments in future electrification and connectivity projects. These are massive investments that none of the three companies could make alone. Together, we are making the difference for a new and global sustainable future; the Alliance becoming carbon neutral by 2050.” Moving together for the benefit of each – Leader-Follower scheme The Alliance members have developed a “smart differentiation” methodology that defines the desired level of commonality for each vehicle, integrating several parameters of possible pooling, such as platforms, production plants, powertrains or vehicle segment. This is supplemented and enhanced by a stricter approach to design and upper-body differentiation. For example, the common platform for the C and D segment will carry five models from three brands of the Alliance (Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Renault Austral and an upcoming seven-seater SUV). Strengthening this process, the Alliance members will enhance usage of common platforms in the coming years from 60% today to more than 80% of its combined 90 models in 2026. This will allow each company to deepen their focus on their customers’ needs, their best models and core markets, while also extending innovations across the Alliance, at a lower cost. As part of this, Mitsubishi Motors will reinforce its presence in Europe with two new models, among them the New ASX based on Renault best-sellers. Five common EV platforms: the largest global offer of the industry Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi have pioneered the EV market, with more than EUR10 B already invested in the field of electrification. In the main markets (Europe, Japan, the US, China) 15 Alliance plants already produce parts, motors, batteries for 10 EV models on the streets, with more than 1 million EV cars sold so far and 30 billion e-kilometers driven. Building on this unique expertise, the Alliance is accelerating with a total EUR 23B more investment in the next five years on electrification, leading to 35 new EV models by 2030. 90% of these models will be based on five common EV platforms, covering most markets, in all major regions: Among the vehicles are the Renault R5 and the new compact EV that will replace the Nissan Micra. Designed by Nissan and engineered by Renault, the new model is planned to be manufactured at Renault ElectriCity: the electric industrial center in Northern France. Common battery strategy, breakthrough battery innovations and a planned 220 GWh production capacity to bring a highly competitive and attractive offer to all customers Competitiveness is key, and that has led member companies to a common Alliance battery strategy, leading, among others, to the selection of a common battery supplier for Renault and Nissan in core markets. The Alliance is working with common partners to achieve real scale and affordability, enabling to reduce battery costs by 50% in 2026 and 65% by 2028. With this approach, by 2030, the Alliance will have a total of 220 GWh battery production capacity for EVs across key production sites in the world. Beyond that, the Alliance shares a common vision for all-solid-state battery technology (ASSB). Based on its deep expertise and unique experience as a pioneer in battery technology, Nissan will lead innovations in this area that will benefit all Alliance members. ASSB will have double the energy density versus current liquid lithium-ion batteries. Charging time will also be greatly reduced to one-third, enabling customers to make longer trips with increased, convenience, confidence and enjoyment. The aim is to mass produce ASSB by mid-2028, and in the future beyond that to realize cost parity with ICE vehicles by bringing costs down further to 65$ per kWh, accelerating the global shift to EVs. The Alliance battery management system is also at state-of-the art. Unlike others in the industry, the Alliance has chosen to control 100% of its hardware and software, benefiting from very valuable predictive data, allowing for monitoring the state of health of the battery and improving technology. The Alliance is working with strategic partners to offer the best proposal to customers for public charging on the road. Mobilize Power Solutions provides to B2B customers a complete end-to-end service including project design, installation, maintenance and management of optimized recharging infrastructure and all related services to meet their business needs. A recent agreement is with Ionity via the Alliance Emobility Service Provider Plug Surfing, which will allow its customers to access at preferential pricing to the Ionity ultra-fast charging network in Europe. With more than 10 years’ experience in the EV business, Alliance members have deep knowledge that allows them to be ahead of the competition in optimizing battery reuse, notably with second life battery applications, recycling and achieving efficient and sustainable solutions over the full battery life cycle. 25 Million cars connected to the Alliance Cloud by 2026: The best-in-class digital experience for customers Intelligent and connected mobility are critical areas for increased shared innovation across the Alliance. With 20 years’ experience in ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) and autonomous drive, the Alliance keeps improving real-world driving safety, convenience, and enjoyment by delivering innovations in intelligent vehicle and driver assistance technologies, with an example being Nissan’s award-winning ProPILOT system. With shared platforms and electronics, by 2026 Alliance members expect to have more than 10 million vehicles on the road across 45 Alliance models equipped with autonomous driving systems. Today, 3 million vehicles are already connected to the Alliance Cloud with permanent data exchanges. By 2026, more than 5 million Alliance cloud systems will be delivered per year, with 25 million total cars on the road. The Alliance will also be the first global, mass-market OEM to introduce the Google ecosystem in its cars. Under Renault’s leadership, the Alliance is developing a common centralized electrical and electronic architecture converging electronics hardware and software applications to offer maximum benefits and an optimal level of performance. The Alliance will launch its first full software defined vehicle by 2025. With this vehicle, the Alliance will improve its cars Over The Air performance throughout their life cycle. This means value for customers with the integration of their car into their digital ecosystem to offering a personalized experience, new enhanced services, and reduced maintenance costs. This will also allow Alliance members to boost vehicle resale values. In addition, Software defined vehicles will be able to communicate with connected objects, users, and infrastructure, opening new fields of value for the Alliance companies. Alliance best-in-class digital experience will be the gateway to an unprecedented amount of data, paving the way to the automotive industry’s next frontier. with Renault Group, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and Mitsubishi Motors positioned at the forefront of this revolution.
Nissan e.dams drivers Oliver Rowland and Sebastien Buemi showed strong qualifying pace at rounds 12 and 13 of the 2020/21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, London E-Prix. In round 13, Rowland put his car in P2 for the race start, with Buemi lining up in P3 for round 12 the previous day. However, disqualifications for a technical infringement ruled both cars out of the points in round 12, having crossed the line in P4 for Buemi and P10 for Rowland. Racing incidents and time penalties in round 13 meant the pace shown in qualifying and at times in the races did not return points for the team. The teams raced for the first time on the new ExCeL Circuit in Londons iconic Royal Docks, with the track running 25 per cent inside the ExCeL London exhibition center building; a first for top-level international motorsport. Mixed conditions throughout the weekend challenged the drivers and both races returned plenty of action for the fans. A bittersweet weekend because we finally showed that apart from being strong in qualifying, which is something we have seen all season, we also found strong pace in the races, said Tommaso Volpe, Nissan global motorsports director. In both races we were fast, but the races were eventful, and for different reasons we did not score points in either race. But it is good to see this strong race pace, so we now look forward to the last two races of the season in Berlin and to finish the season with a good team result. Nissan races in Formula E to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify all-new Nissan vehicle offerings by the early 2030s in key markets. Nissan aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road for better electric vehicles for customers. We had an energy management issue in round 12 which ultimately cost us a good team result, said Gregory Driot, co-team principal of Nissan e.dams. In round 13 we were racing with the leaders with Oli when an unfortunate racing incident and resulting time penalty put him out of contention. Thats racing sometimes, but overall our pace was strong, so this is a positive to take to the last rounds in Berlin. The championship heads to Berlin next for rounds 14 and 15 the last of season seven – on August 14 and 15. Driver Quotes Oliver Rowland Sebastien Buemi
Japan – Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, and NMKV mark production of 50,000th fully electric minivehicle
Japan – Renault, Nissan & Mitsubishi Motors Announce Common Roadmap Alliance 2030: Best of 3 Worlds for a New Future
– The 2030 roadmap focuses on pure electric vehicles and connected mobility.
– Aims to enhance usage of common platforms to reach 80% in 2026.
– Mitsubishi Motors to reinforce presence in Europe with two new models based on Renault best-sellers.
– To invest EUR 23B in the next five years to support its offensive strategy in electrification.
– With 35 new EV cars in 2030, proposes the largest global EV offer, based on the five common EV platforms.
– Nissan unveils an all-new EV based on the CMF-BEV Alliance platform to replace the Micra in Europe; vehicle planned to be manufactured at Renault ElectriCity, the electric industrial center in Northern France.
– Reinforces common battery strategy aiming to secure a global 220 GWh production capacity by 2030.
– Nissan to lead development of breakthrough all-solid-state battery technology to benefit all members.
– Renault to lead development on common centralized electrical and electronic architecture and will launch the first full software defined vehicle by 2025.
– CMF-AEV, the most affordable platform in the world, is the base for the new Dacia Spring.
– KEI-EV (mini vehicle) platform family for ultra-compact EVs.
– LCV-EV Family platform family for professional customers, as the base for the Renault Kangoo and Nissan Town Star.
– CMF-EV, the global, flexible, EV platform. It will be on the roads in a few weeks as the base for the Nissan Ariya EV crossover and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric. The CMF-EV platform, with its technological innovations and the potential offered by its modularity, is a benchmark platform for a new generation of electric vehicles for the Alliance partners. The platform has been created to integrate and optimize all the elements specific to a 100% electric powertrain, hosting a new, high-performance motor and an ultra-thin battery. By 2030, more than 15 models will be based on the CMF-EV platform, with up to 1.5 million cars produced on this platform per year.
– CMF-BEV, the most competitive compact electric platform in the world, to be launched in 2024. It provides up to 400 km range; its aerodynamics performances are outstanding, helping reduce cost by 33% and power consumption by more than 10% compared to the current Renault ZOE. It will be the base for 250,000 vehicles a year under the Renault, Alpine and Nissan brands.
Nissan e.dams races hard at challenging Formula E London races
A disappointing day today. We had good qualifying and race pace, but a mistake from me in the race with Stoffel ruined his race and my race. I am sorry to him and sorry to the team. Well come back fighting in Berlin.
Great to put the car on P3 for the race yesterday, but our team mistake meant we didnt score any points. We ran well in the race today and battled hard, but an unfortunate racing incident put us out of the points. We had some good pace over the weekend, so we will fight hard in Berlin.
