Nissan and Honda agree to joint research for next-gen SDV platform

This agreement is based on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the companies in March this year towards a strategic partnership for what was termed the age of intelligence and electrification. This has advanced with the agreement to carry out joint research for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

The MOU will support defining specific areas of cooperation, which the companies say will accelerate the realisation of the strategic partnership. One of the goals for this partnership on SDVs is to complete basic research in approximately one year and consider the possibility of mass production development based on the results.

Other areas included in the MOU include cooperation on EV batteries, sharing technologies and assets to offer a wider range of battery options, sourcing and a basic agreement on common specifications to ensure the procurement of batteries that can be used in vehicles from both companies.

This also applies to e-Axles with a basic agreement on common specifications for these components to be shared.

Both OEMs have launched new strategies this year with a view to balance and optimise development and production of ICE and electric vehicles. Nissan’s Arc business plan will act as a bridge between the Nissan NEXT business transformation plan and the company’s longer term Nissan Ambition 2030 strategy. The plan will focus on new products, increased electrification, new approaches to engineering and manufacturing, the adoption of new technologies, and leveraging strategic partnerships.

Honda has been developing its North American production and supply chain operations to support its growth in the EV segment. This has seen investment in upgrading production plants and the establishment of an EV hub in Ohio. The OEM has also reached agreements to secure battery supplies for its North American operations with the construction of a new 2m sq. ft battery production facility near Jeffersonville, Ohio as part of a joint venture with LG Energy Solution.

The company also has agreements for component and materials supply from Asahi Kasei Corporation (to produce battery separators) and POSCO Future M to produce cathode materials for automotive batteries, both operations being located in Canada.