Mitsubishi considers investing in Renault EV

Times of change are coming for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, one of the largest automobile groups on the international scene. Renault’s intention to divide its business into two independent units (one focused on the development of electric cars and the other on models with an internal combustion engine) could lead to important changes in relations with its partners.

Nissan is negotiating the possibility of investing in the new electrical division; In exchange, the signing of the diamond would reduce its participation in the Japanese brand from the current 43% to 15%, equaling the percentage that Nissan owns from Renault. Now, it has been known that Mitsubishi is also studying possible participation, although it has not yet made a final decision on the matter.

Takao Kato, head of the Japanese company, has confirmed the negotiations. “We are studying the plan. But at this time, we still have to examine the matter in more detail to decide whether to invest. This will require an understanding between our shareholders and members of the board of directors. It’s not something we can decide in a short time.”

Although Renault does not own shares in Mitsubishi, Nissan does control 34% of the three-diamond firm. However, this does not mean that there are no direct ties between the two brands, as Mitsubishi markets in Europe a logotype version of the Renault Captur, the ASX; In addition, in the short term, the Colt, derived from the Renault Clio, will join its lineup.

RENAULT 4EVER TROPHY
RENAULT 4EVER TROPHY

Mitsubishi could market electric cars of Renault origin

This strategy could be replicated with other models, as Kato does not rule out Mitsubishi launching electric cars developed by Renault. However, the executive is still not clear about the amount of his hypothetical investment. Nissan for its part could be done with approximately 15%.

It is expected that Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi will continue to collaborate on the development of electric technology to reduce costs, including platforms such as the CMF-BEV (which will be used in the future Nissan Micra and Renault R5) or the CMF-EV ( that supports the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-TECH Electric).

RENAULT 4EVER TROPHY

Both Renault and Mitsubishi will benefit from the solid electrolyte batteries that Nissan is currently developing, which will hit the market in 2028 with a price of $75/kWh. All these synergies should help Mitsubishi gain pace in the electric car sector because although it was a pioneer with the launch of the i-MiEV in 2009, over time it has been falling behind.

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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