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Daimler and Nissan venture to build cars in Mexico

Nissan and Daimler have been partnering ever closer for years, and now an unnamed source has told Reuters that the automakers have agreed to a 50-50 joint venture in Mexico that would build Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz models. Given that the rumors about just such a deal go back nearly six months and similar rumblings are years old, this arrangement has been a long time coming.
The insider tells Reuters that a memorandum of understanding was signed between them last month to build the Mercedes GLA-Class and new Infinitis at Nissan's Aguascalientes factory. The rumor didn't say when production would begin. It wouldn't be the first time the two automakers have decided to share this platform - Infiniti will build its Q30 compact on it in the UK next year.
The partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler goes back to 2010 when the companies signed an agreement to share engines, factories and platforms. Since then, products of the partnership have included the underpinnings for the next-generation Smart and Renault Twingo and shared engines among some other models.

Mitsubishi, Nissan will build mini EV together

That minicar project that erstwhile competitors Nissan and Mitsubishi launched about four years ago is about to go a little more maxi. NMKV Co., the joint venture established in June 2011 by the two Japanese automakers to make minicars, is going to get more resources specifically to ease a move into the electric-vehicle sector. Specifically, Nissan, which makes the all-electric Leaf, is going to have a bigger role in the testing, design, and development of the partnership's mini EVs. A memorandum of understand between Nissan and Mitsubishi, maker of the i-MiEV, is in the works. So far, the joint-venture has sold about 500,000 gas-powered three-cylinder compact vehicles under the two automotive brands, so it must be doing something right. The first Nissan Dayz and the Mitsubishi eK Wagon models started production in 2013. Sales of the Nissan Dayz Roox and Mitsubishi eK Space, which went the higher-roof route, began early last year. Nissan and Mitsubishi started making noise about this last summer, when word came out that the little EV may be priced at less than $15,000 in Japan, quite a bit cheaper than either the Leaf or the i-MiEV over there. As with the current models, the future minicar variants will be produced at Mitsubishi's Mizushima factory in Japan. So far, the partnership would only say that details about NMKV's next-generation mini EV will be released "at a later time," so specifics like range and other performance measures will have to wait. Until then, you can take a look at NMKV's press release below. Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors and NMKV reach agreement on planning and development of next-generation minicars Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, and their joint venture NMKV Co., Ltd. today reached an agreement to continue their joint project regarding development of the next generation of current minicar models. The three companies will soon sign a memorandum of understanding. The companies aim to develop more competitive products by optimizing resource allocation and their respective roles and responsibilities. Nissan will be more deeply involved in development operations, such as design development and testing. In addition to its product planning and project development roles, NMKV will strengthen its management capabilities by adding a new department to enhance collaboration with engineering and manufacturing functions. Vehicle production is planned to continue at Mitsubishi's Mizushima Plant.

Recharge Wrap-up: BMW i8 markups declining, Nissan offering discounted Leaf lease buyouts

Zipcar has published the results of an independent study on "Urban Boomers." KRC Research surveyed city-dwelling, healthy adults aged 50 to 69, and found that they are fond of technology and are more active – but drive less – after moving to the city. Many still feel car ownership is important, and often don't get rid of a car they already own, but they find alternative forms of transportation important, too. Even though it is often thought of as a bigger draw for millenials, Zipcar feels that these findings indicate that Urban Boomers are an important demographic for carsharing companies. See the results of the study in the slideshow from Zipcar. Nissan is offering lease buyout credits of up to $5,000 for its Leaf EV. Depending on the region, 2012 and 2013 models get a Leaf Gross Payoff discount of up to $5,000, with 2011 models garnering up to $1,500 off. Some dealers may also offer an additional $1,500 discount. It's possible that Nissan wants to encourage lessees to purchase their Leafs after residual values of the car dropped by about six percent in May. Some potential long-term owners could also be concerned over battery life, or be tempted by the updated Leaf slated for the 2017 model year. Read more at Green Car Reports. Dealership markups for the BMW i8 are dwindling. Actual costs of the attractive plug-in hybrid are nearing sticker prices after high demand and short supply led many dealers to exact a higher price for the car. BMW recently announced it would double production of the i8 to help meet demand, which could be behind the declining markups. The i8 has a base MSRP of $136,500, plus $950 in destination fees. Read more at Green Car Reports. Featured Gallery 2015 BMW i8 in Petoskey, MI Related Gallery 2013 Nissan Leaf: First Drive View 15 Photos News Source: Slideshare, Green Car Reports, Green Car Reports via ZipcarImage Credit: Copyright 2015 AOL Green BMW Nissan Green Automakers Transportation Alternatives Ownership Electric recharge wrapup