Nissan and Honda will be working together to develop automotive technology for electric vehicles, reports the Associated Press.
The announcement was made during a news conference in Tokyo by Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co.’s chief executives. Though the details of the agreement are still being finalized, the two automakers will work together in making core technologies while still developing their own separate products.
Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida noted that the two companies were prioritizing quick progression into the EV space, stating that they “don’t have time,” while Honda President Toshihiro Mibe said that the company shares common values with Nissan.
The move is a big push for EVs from Japanese automakers, who have recently lagged behind companies such as U.S.-based Tesla and China-based BYD in developing EVs. As the world’s largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corp. has cited a lack of adequate infrastructure as a remaining roadblock to a full EV transition, prompting the company to retain a focus on hybrids.
“How we can raise our competitiveness is what we are determined to pursue,” said Uchida.
