Nissan, Mitsubishi ink partnership to explore societal solutions using EVs

MANILA: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore next-generation-mobility and energy-related services using electric vehicles (EV).

According to the two Japanese carmakers, the goal of the said partnership is to solve regional societal issues and to create a vibrant future for local communities.

“Japan as a country has been addressing issues such as driver shortages due to a declining population, and difficulties maintaining public transportation services due to decreasing numbers of users. Nissan and MC (Mitsubishi Corporation) have also been undertaking various initiatives to solve these challenges,” Nissan wrote in a press release.

For Nissan’s part, the Kanagawa-headquartered automobile company has mobility services in Namie Town and Fukushima Prefecture as well as autonomous driving tests in the Yokohama Minato Mirai District.

Per Nissan, the aim of the abovementioned initiatives is to achieve free movement for more people.

In addition, the brand is developing energy management systems by utilizing EV battery storage and charging/discharging functions in combination with renewable energy.

“Through exciting vehicles and technologies, Nissan is building a smart ecosystem that expands both the possibilities of mobility for people and the potential of society. We want to help solve regional issues and create future-centered cities through new mobility services and energy management. MC shares our motivation, and together we will study a robust and sustainable business model,” said Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Makoto Uchida.

Mitsubishi, on the other hand, has collaborated with partners and local governments to address social and industrial challenges through various programs like:

• Utilizing regional energy resources including renewable energy
• Achieving carbon neutrality
• Creating attractive communities by solving local issues

In the mobility sector, the Tokyo-based car brand has been expanding measures to improve transportation challenges through the implementation of artificial intelligence on-demand transportation for local governments and private companies, including Shiojiri City in Nagano Prefecture, and conducting autonomous driving demonstrations using digital solutions.

“As the mobility sector undergoes significant transformation due to technological innovation and decarbonization, MC, through its EX (Energy Transformation)-DX (Digital Transformation) integrated approach outlined in its mid-term management strategy, MC Shared Value 2024, aims to work with Nissan to explore the creation of sustainable business models that address Japan’s societal challenges,” MC President and CEO Katsuya Nakanishi noted.

Regional societal issues — Nissan explained — are expected to become more challenging. Some of these include an increase in people facing transportation barriers, a decrease in essential services, weakened community ties, and the need for disaster preparedness.

The “allied” brands recognize the need to build new technologies and service models to solve these region-specific challenges and revitalize communities. Leveraging their respective expertise and knowledge, both companies aim to jointly commercialize next-generation mobility services and energy-related services utilizing EVs, starting in Japan.

Photos from Nissan

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