The product and planning boss said it could involve automakers either buying the technology or Nissan building rebadged vehicles, but the partner would still need to use its tech. It would be a two-way commitment, not just a transaction.
After its plans with Honda fell through earlier this year, Nissan is still hoping to find a partnership to build next-generation EVs.
As part of its recovery plan, Re:Nissan, the automaker has already announced significant job cuts, factory closures, and other extreme measures to cut costs as it looks to return to profitability.
Like Hyundai and General Motors, which announced plans to co-develop five new vehicles, combining resources with a new partnership could help Nissan reduce development costs, leverage new tech, and achieve economies of scale.
Time was when everyone expected 50% of vehicles sold in 2030 would be EV. But now consumer seem to prefer hybrids. And low cost competition might be coming from China. EV sales seem much less profitable. Fewer sales. Less volume to carry development overhead.
You can understand why jvs for development costs begin to look attractive. Finding the right partner might be difficult but worth looking for one to see what you can find.
Although it will be available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time, Kia is ruling out an all-electric version. It will initially launch with a 1.6-liter gas engine, with a hybrid variant joining the lineup in 2026.