Electric cars become a preferred choice for many drivers who want to save the high gas bill.There are many months when we are not sure Mitsubishi Motors is still in business. But that is mostly a phenomenon of the U.S. market. In Asia and Europe, Mitsubishi is a bit more viable. And apparently the company has technology worthwhile because the Nissan-Renault alliance has advanced its deal with the Japanese automaker to bring more technology to market.
According to the press release: “Between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, it is expected that the existing NMKV joint-venture company will be extended to co-develop a new small-segment car including a specific electric version that can be sold on a global basis. The basis for this product will be from a jointly developed “Kei car” platform of the type popular in the Japanese domestic market. Further details of all products, markets and manufacturing will be announced separately.”
Mitsubishi markets the i-MiEV electric car. Nissan markets the Nissan Leaf, and has a clearly stated global strategy of dominating the EV market.
More from the announcement: Based on the current direction of discussions between Renault and Mitsubishi Motors, it is firstly expected that two new sedan models would be launched under the Mitsubishi brand, based on vehicles from the Renault portfolio. Secondary and additional studies around other projects will then be considered.
The first sedan, to compete in the full-size D-segment markets of the United States and Canada and would be manufactured at the Renault-Samsung plant in Busan, South Korea.
The second sedan model would compete in the global C-segment. The manufacturing location for this product is under discussion.
See the full press release here:http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/renault-nissan-alliance-and-mitsubishi-motors-corporation-explore-wide-ranging-global-product-and-technology-cooperation