There is a saying, “two heads are better than one.” That’s the best summary of the current automotiveindustry. In fact, it’s more correct to say that three or more heads are better than one.
Even big players – namely Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi – must jump on the ‘collaboration’ bandwagon to tackle the avalanche of Chinese newcomers whose electrical vehicles (EVs) have taken the global automobile market by storm with affordable prices and enticing marketing campaigns.
In a fight to regain ground lost to China, the three Japanese carmakers have announced a joint project to manufacture a new EV model, aiming for eight million units. The companies believed that sharing production technology and capacity will help boost volume and reduce unit costs to counter China’s pricing strategy. They also agreed to join forces in their strengths in future collaboration which includes sharing platforms, software, key components, and other supplementary products.
Japan has finally come to terms with the drastic change and embraced it to face challenges together. The focus will be common benefits of all stakeholders, with sustainability in mind. This collaboration is expected to accelerate initiatives for carbon neutrality and zero traffic accident deaths.
“Companies that cannot adapt to the changes cannot survive. If we try to do everything on our own, we cannot catch up. In this period of once-in-a century change, we can’t simply continue on our existing business path, we must create a value that is competitive globally to survive, said Toshihiro Mibe, CEO of Honda.
They aren’t the only ones. Another camp is Toyota, Suzuki, Mazda, and Subaru which have reached an agreement to jointly create new engines suitable for electrification.
Meanwhile, Mazda and Panasonic have already been working on the development of of cylindrical lithium-ion specifically for Mazda’s BEVs scheduled to be on the market in 2027. The Japanese government has designated EV batteries as “Strategic Asset” to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and maintain the country’s competitive edge.
Electrification has also expanded to public transport. Toshiba is currently working with Kawasaki, Tsurumi, Rinko Bus and Drive Electro Technology on a demonstration project for Electric Bus with Super-Rapid 10-minute charging. Once implemented, the company is likely to become a leader in EV fast-charge technology and paved the way for its use in Asia.
Since the ultimate goal of electrical power is to move toward advancing carbon neutrality and sustainable growth for society as a whole, whatever that follows will certainly lead to the better future.
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