Nissan-Mitsubishi pickup JV confirmed off – new Navara developed separately from next-gen Triton

Nissan-Mitsubishi pickup JV confirmed off – new Navara developed separately from next-gen Triton

At the Q&A session during the launch of the new Nissan Navara in Bangkok on Wednesday, Nissan global product planning chief Andy Palmer confirmed that the JV between Nissan and Mitsubishi to co-develop the next-generation of their one-tonne pickups, namely the Navara and the Triton, had been called off.

When asked about what had happened to the 2010 agreement, Palmer said, “The collaboration project of the co-development of the pickups didn’t succeed, so we decided mutually to go our own way. Mitsubishi will make its own pickup – the NP300 Navara doesn’t share any common parts with Mitsubishi.”

This puts to rest all speculation regarding the commonality between the two pickups, and also means that the rumoured Fiat pickup – which was also reported to be based on a Mitsubishi ladder platform – won’t be built on the bones of the new Navara.

Palmer was, however, quick to point out that various other points of the joint venture with Mitsubishi, including the co-development of minicars for the Japanese market and the usage of the capacity at Mitsubishi’s plant at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Choburi to build the outgoing Navara, remain unaffected.

Nissan Thailand president Hiroyuki Yoshimoto echoed his colleague by saying that “the production co-operation with Mitsubishi Thailand for existing Navara models will still exist for a few years, for export markets. That will continue until the end [of the current Navara’s life].”

The replacement for the current Mitsubishi Triton, said to be inspired by the Concept GR-HEV from Bangkok 2013, is expected to be launched later this year.

Nissan NP300 Navara in Bangkok

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV at Bangkok 2013

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Motorhead (Member) on Jun 14, 2014 at 10:19 am

    Good..

    Meanwhile. . Proton JV with Lotus & making lost 820 millions. .

    Thumbs up.

    No bonuses for staffs. . Butthurt in 1,2,3…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 6
    • abuya1234567 on Jun 15, 2014 at 5:29 am

      This thread is not Proton. However, you will do at anyway to bash it. Have ever wonder if people do that same again to you and your family?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 8
      • Motorhead (Member) on Jun 16, 2014 at 7:41 am

        Ever wonder robbed people money for decades to protect you? Selling low spec car at high price? Asking tax payers money for help, RnD etc?

        Damnnn..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Elchino on Jun 14, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    If it is euro 5 compliant, does this mean that we will not be able to use it in Malsysia as our diesel is only euro2?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • Obviously (Member) on Jun 14, 2014 at 8:23 pm

      Diesel engines destined for Malaysia are changed in some way to cope with it like removing the particulate filter…or detuning it. They won’t perform optimally with our fuel grade.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • mat yun on Jun 15, 2014 at 8:20 am

    Good, success Triton no need jv with failure Navara. It’s look like Nissan never learn from the success of Frontier.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • hadi75 on Jun 16, 2014 at 10:00 am

      If navara a failure how come can see a lot of it on the road ah????
      By the way…..navara and frontier is the same truck la…..different name for different market….but in malaysia both still selling so need different name…..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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