Honda Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a Honda model based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. Honda said this is the first initiative between the two companies to complement each other’s product lineups. The new Honda model is scheduled to go on sale in Southeast Asia in 2028.
Honda and Mitsubishi Motors have been looking for ways to collaborate for a while. The carmakers formed a strategic partnership, which included Nissan Motor, in August 2024.
Among the opportunities vetted by the three manufacturers, they have had extensive discussions surrounding the complementary supply of each other’s vehicles. Ideally, the three companies could leverage each other’s global auto products to quickly and efficiently enhance their respective product lineups, aligned with each company's business environment and customer needs in different regions.
The Mitsubishi Triton is a one-ton pickup truck in particularly high demand in the ASEAN region.
Through this collaboration, Honda will add a pickup truck model to its lineup in an ASEAN market where it doesn’t offer one. As a result, Mitsubishi will be able to increase production volume and improve capacity at its Thailand production plant.
According to Honda, the three companies continue to look for ways to build upon the strategic partnership.
