Honda plans to introduce new models co-developed with Nissan, filling market segments that are currently not represented in its product lineup. An executive statement revealed that the two new vehicles, likely to be a seven-seat ladder frame SUV and a light commercial vehicle, will be part of this expanded range. It is strongly suspected that these models will be the Nissan Patrol and Nissan Navara, which are now being discussed as part of the collaboration between these two major automotive companies.
This announcement follows the recent confirmation of the merger between Honda and Nissan, which allows both brands to share resources, reduce production costs, and introduce joint vehicles in the future. This move reflects Honda’s commitment to expanding its product range by offering vehicles in segments it has not yet ventured into.
Noriya Kaihara, Director and Executive Vice President of Honda Motor Company, stated that discussions with Nissan about how to proceed under this merger are ongoing. He pointed out that larger vehicles, which Honda does not currently offer, are an area of interest for the company.
“Nissan has a little bit larger class, E-segment vehicles that we don’t have at this moment,” Kaihara said, as reported by Automotive News. “So, if we can exchange some of our vehicles, that would be a benefit for us in the short term.”
These two vehicles are expected to meet market demand for larger, more robust models, similar to what Nissan has achieved with the Patrol and Navara. In the US market, these two models are well-known, with the Patrol being a seven-seat ladder frame SUV and the Navara being a light commercial vehicle with strong popularity.
“Maybe in the future, we can co-develop those [full-size] vehicles,” Kaihara added, according to Car and Driver. “But in the short term, if we need, we can get some of the Nissan vehicles for Honda as well.”
This comment suggests that Honda may initially introduce rebadged versions of larger Nissan models, such as the Armada and Frontier, before collaborating further on developing the next-generation models. This strategic move allows Honda to enter a segment it has not yet occupied, with new models expected to arrive sometime after 2030.
Honda’s efforts to expand its portfolio indicate its readiness to compete in the large vehicle market, with Nissan serving as a strategic partner in the development of technology and design.
