Mitsubishi could soon switch to rebadging Nissans – report

Mitsubishi will end development of its own platforms in favour of rebadging Nissans by 2026, according to reports from Japan.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, the automotive manufacturer is said to be looking to reduce costs by ditching its own research and development for future vehicles, instead choosing to focus on electric vehicles made by Nissan, and by extension Renault, through the three-brand partnership.

The smallest arm of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, the latter manufacturer currently has eight different platforms – but is aiming to reduce this to four by 2026, with at least two being self-produced.

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Mitsubishi Australia however has denied its global operations are to be consolidated with Nissan.

With a worldwide push towards electric vehicles, Mitsubishi could benefit from the development and production work currently being outlaid by its partners – following Renault introducing two new EV platforms – CMF-EV and CMF-BEV – which reduce production costs by up to 33 per cent over its existing vehicles.

This all depends on how the alliance is structured and implemented in the future. Currently, Renault has a 43.3 per cent stake in Nissan (which holds a 15 per cent stake in Renault) while Nissan owns 34.04 per cent of Mitsubishi, more than any other company.

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The new Renault Megane E-Tech features the alliance's CMF-EV architecture which will underpin its electric cars