Nissan Navaras built in Thailand by Mitsubishi? Yes, that’s one project now under consideration as the two Japanese giants contemplate expansion of their existing co-operative arrangement.
Already under way are two programs:
• Nissan will manufacture a light commercial van for Mitsubishi to sell in the Japanese domestic market
• Mitsubishi will supply Nissan with an SUV for sale in the Middle East.
As well as the possibility of Mitsubishi manufacturing Nissan Navaras in Thailand, also under consideration is collaboration on a new one-ton ute and a joint venture to produce mini cars for the Japanese domestic market.
This collaborative approach delivers economies of scale for R&D and component supplies as both companies have massive global partnerships. Had the American automotive companies taken this course some years ago, the historic repercussions of the Global Financial Crisis - which saw factories closed and famous brands dissolved - might have been avoided.
