Nissan and Mitsubishi joint venture turns 10, to start mini EV production

On June 1, 2011, carmakers Nissan and Mitsubishi established NMKV Co., a joint venture that focuses on project management for mini-vehicles sold in the Japanese market.

This month, NMKV Co. marks a decade of producing Kei cars including the Nissan Dayz as well as the Mitsubishi eK Wagon and eK Custom which were updated in the years 2013, 2014, 2019, and 2020.

With the combined strength of Nissan and Mitsubishi, NMKV Co. has produced a total of 1.52 million units as of May this year.

“The mini-vehicles planned and developed through NMKV have evolved greatly over the past 10 years. The latest models from Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors feature many Nissan advanced technologies and are designed to make customers' lives more comfortable and exciting. We will continue to adopt electrification and autonomous driving technologies to further strengthen the appeal of our products, and we will significantly advance our business collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors," said Nissan President Makoto Uchida.

Mini-vehicles are a staple in the Japanese market because are practical (lower taxes and licensing costs), inexpensive, and can easily be parked in the crowded lots of Japan.

Both companies closely work together in terms of product planning and development, design, and purchasing, to consistently deliver competitive products to their customers while pursuing distinct designs that embody the two brands.

According to Mitsubishi Motors President Takao Kato, "The latest model in the eK series, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a reliable, comfortable mini-wagon that combines Mitsubishi Motors' 60 years of expertise in mini-vehicle manufacturing with Nissan's advanced technologies under the project management of NMKV. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen cooperation with Nissan and NMKV to provide products that delight our customers."

NMKV Co. is now beginning production of new electric mini-vehicles through an ¥8-billion investment made by Mitsubishi Motors’ Mizushima Plant.

"NMKV is combining the best of Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors to create appealing vehicles for Japan's national car, the mini-vehicle. Going forward, the three companies will continue to strengthen the source of their strength, Japanese manufacturing capabilities, and cross-company and cross-functional collaboration to promote even better vehicle manufacturing through the teamwork of the Alliance,” commented NMKV President Junichi Endo.

Photos from Nissan

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