2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Gt on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Why a Renault-FCA merger could be good news for Nissan, Mitsubishi

TOKYO — Nissan's advanced technologies including platforms and electric powertrains could give it leverage in a merger involving Renault and Fiat Chrysler, thanks to a royalty system it has with the former, two people with knowledge of the matter said. A merged Renault-Fiat Chrysler could face an extra hurdle each time it uses technology developed by Nissan or Mitsubishi Motors, while the two Japanese automakers stand to gain a client in Fiat Chrysler (FCA), one of the people said. Both sources declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Nissan's technology, particularly in electrification and emissions reduction, could give it some sway in the $35 billion potential tie-up between Renault and FCA, even as its stake in the newly formed company would be diluted. Currently Renault SA pays less for technology developed by Nissan than the Japanese automaker pays for French technology, a third person said. This has long been a sticking point for Nissan, and an area where Nissan could seek more favorable terms. "Whenever Nissan transfers platform, powertrain or other technology to Renault, there is a margin or royalty which Renault has to pay for use of that tech," one of the people said. "In that sense, FCA, if everything went well, would become another 'client' of ours and that's good. More business for us." A Nissan spokesman declined to comment on its royalty system. The potential Renault-FCA deal has complicated the Japanese automaker's already uneasy alliance with Renault. A further deal with Fiat Chrysler looks likely at least in the near term to weaken Nissan's influence in the 20-year-old partnership. Renault owns a 43.4% stake in Nissan and is its top shareholder. Nissan holds a 15% non-voting stake in Renault and would see that diluted to 7.5% after the FCA deal, albeit with voting rights. The imbalance between the two has long rankled Nissan, which is by far the larger company. Alliance imbalance Renault had previously angled for a merger with Nissan but has been rebuffed by CEO Hiroto Saikawa. Securing benefits from the merger deal will be important for Saikawa, who is grappling with poor financial performance while he struggles to right the company after the ouster of former chairman Carlos Ghosn last year.

Mitsubishi Super Height K-Wagon previews the kei car of the 2020s

The door-less, turbine-electric Mi-Tech concept was the uncontested star of the Mitsubishi display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, but the Japanese firm also unveiled a close-to-production design study named Super Height K-Wagon that accurately previews its next family of kei cars. It transcends the historic city-only vocation by letting owners comfortably drive further. The Super Height K-Wagon's proportions are about what you'd expect from a kei car, but its front end falls in line with Mitsubishi's current design language by adopting the X-shaped motif seen on other models, like the Eclipse Cross. Even a humble kei car can't escape crossoverization; designers echoed Mitsubishi's SUVs by adding black plastic trim over the wheel arches and the rocker panels. Mitsubishi took advantage of the concept's relatively long wheelbase to carve out a spacious, family-friendly interior. The driver sits higher than in a normal city car, like the Mirage, and the rear passengers take their seats after opening a van-like sliding door. Clever use of space has always been a trademark of kei cars, and the Super Height K-Wagon is no exception. Technical specifications remain vague. Mitsubishi outlined a high-performance engine that shifts through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). To qualify for kei car status, its engine can't displace more than 660 cubic centimeters, and it can't make more than 63 horsepower. And, proving once again that small doesn't always mean basic, the Super Height K-Wagon is packed with electronic driving aids like a collision-mitigation system, and lane-keeping assist. Mitsubishi boss Takao Koto called the Super Height K-Wagon concept the second wave of next-generation kei cars, and confirmed the concept will enter production by the end of the current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2020. Don't expect to see it in the United States, though. Featured Gallery Mitsubishi Super Height K-Wagon concept Tokyo Motor Show Mitsubishi Minivan/Van Concept Cars 2019 tokyo motor show

Nissan should kill the Quest and bring the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 to America

Enthusiasts don't have much reason to get excited about minivans. But if there were something cool to revitalize interest in the segment, I think American consumers would take notice. A quick browse through Mitsubishi's current catalog of global offerings turned up something interesting, and, now that Nissan has brought the diamond-star into its multi-headed global alliance, the Japanese automaker has a unique opportunity to throw caution to the wind and give America something fun. First, let's acknowledge that the Nissan Quest is a completely reasonable and current minivan entry. But it's not exactly a hot seller. The Quest was the seventh-best-selling minivan in the United States last month. The people-hauler's 209 sales in September of 2016 represent a 68-percent decline over the previous year. Granted, the Quest was trending upward for the year prior to last month's drop, but even the Quest's best full year of sales would just manage to match the number of Toyota Siennas or Chrysler Pacificas sold in a decent month. Put simply, the American market wouldn't miss the Nissan Quest if it were to disappear from dealership lots altogether. I don't think the Nissan Quest is a bad vehicle. The problem is that it's just like every other minivan sold in America. Nothing about the Quest stands out against its competitors, which basically makes it a redundant vehicle with no solid reason to exist. What Nissan really needs, in my humble opinion, is a minivan that stands out from the crowd. I offer the following solution: Bring the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 to the United States. Badge it as a Nissan to take advantage of that brand's larger dealer network; even call it the Quest Q:5 if you must. But don't change much else. I have a feeling Americans would show some interest in an eight-passenger, all-wheel-drive, multi-purpose vehicle like the Delica that's about the same overall length as the Nissan Rogue. As an added incentive to capture as many buyers as possible, offer both the 2.4-liter gasoline engine and the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that are available in other markets. Since the Delica D:5 is based on the same GS platform as the Dodge Journey, it could probably accommodate a Pentastar V6, too, but that doesn't really seem necessary. Instead of being a powerhouse, the Delica should be about fun and efficiency, with an adventurous off-road streak.