Tokyo, Oct. 11 (Jiji Press)–Honda Motor Co. plans to receive supplies of Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s Triton pickup truck produced in Thailand for sale under its own brand, informed sources have said. Honda is expected to sell the Triton in Southeast Asian countries from 2028 while trying to strengthen its relations with Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan Motor Co. The three Japanese automakers are in business tie-up negotiations. The Triton, manufactured at Mitsubishi Motors’ plant in Thailand, is one of the firm’s flagship vehicle models. It is popular in emerging countries because it is solid and suited for driving on rough roads. Honda is working to boost its sales in Southeast Asia but does not have pickups on its vehicle lineup for the region. Triton procurement from Mitsubishi Motors is seen allowing Honda to curb its development and production costs. Meanwhile, the move is expected to help raise the operating rate at Mitsubishi Motors’ Thai plant. Honda and Nissan saw their business integration talks break down in February 2025. Still, the two companies and Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan has an equity stake, are continuing sector-by-sector tie-up negotiations. In August this year, Honda and Nissan agreed to jointly develop core parts for software-defined vehicles, touted as next-generation automobiles. SDVs allow users to add functions and services through onboard software updates. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
