Report: Mitsubishi to use Nissan platforms for future models
Mitsubishi might stop developing platforms, except for ASEAN region
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation hasn't been performing as great these past few years. While they did announce plans to launch several new models in the coming years, including the revival of the Ralliart brand, the road to recovery is still a long way to go. Worse yet, they might stop developing passenger car platforms in few years.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation could stop developing new car platforms. Instead, the automaker will supposedly rely on vehicle bases made by ally Nissan starting sometime in 2026. Should that be the case, they would become Japan's first automaker to cease the development of car platforms for its home market in Japan.
There's no need to worry about the future Mitsubishi models being rebadged versions of their Nissan counterpart, though. It adds that Mitsubishi will continue to play a role in developing and designing vehicle interiors, exteriors, and drivetrains.
As of March, Mitsubishi has eight platforms, but the automaker is expected to cut that number in half by 2026. Out of the four, two of the platforms will be developed by Mitsubishi themselves for its core market, Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the remaining two will be co-developed by Nissan. Good news for us in the Philippines and the rest of the ASEAN region, not so for other countries.
The reason for the supposedly reducing the number of platforms is mainly due to cost. Developing a new platform isn't cheap, and with Mitsubishi's current financial state, sharing platforms from Nissan is a cost-saving alternative. Subsequently, the report adds that Mitsubishi will instead focus its effort on the research and development of electric vehicles.
News of Mitsubishi planning to use Nissan platforms isn't new. At the moment, the automakers are already sharing platforms for tiny Kei cars in Japan. It's also been confirmed that the next-generation Navara and Strada/Triton/L200 will be platform brothers. As such, it stands to reason that the next-generation Terra and Montero Sport will be platform siblings too.
Assuming the report is correct, the big question is this: what platforms will Mitsubishi develop for the ASEAN region? Whatever the case, it's good to hear that Mitsubishi is committed to the ASEAN region. Who knows, the supposed model for 2026 could even be built here at Mitsubishi's plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
