Honda Wants To Build A Large SUV On Mitsubishi's Platform

If you follow what has been happening in the automotive industry recently, you are probably aware of the merger talks between Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. The Japanese car companies never reached an agreement, but this doesn't necessarily mean the end of it.

Something interesting happens at Mitsubishi and Nissan, and Honda is more than willing to resume talks. Reuters recently reported that Honda is after a takeover, but only if Nissan CEO, Makoto Uchida leaves. This could happen as he is facing pressure from board members to step down before 2026. Mitsubishi seems to be the main prize from this deal as the company gradually buys back shares from Nissan.  

Honda still has interest in the Nissan merger, but for different reasons 

I recently reported on the revival of the Mitsubishi Montero, also known as Pajero in some markets. We also spoke about the hypothetical Honda-Nissan merger and what the two brands plan to gain from it. Honda is still after co-developing EVs and building a large, body-on-frame SUV, and that's where Mitsubishi might come in.

According to Nikkei Asia, Honda CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, insisted Mitsubishi CEO, Takao Kato attend a press conference, announcing the Honda-Nissan merger talks. Upon Kato's reply that he would not be making it due to being abroad, Mibe rescheduled the conference from December 20 to December 23.

This action is strongly indicative of what Honda is truly looking to gain from the merger with Nissan. Mitsubishi's strength is, currently, at hybrid technology and building of rugged vehicles, capable of handling rough terrain, which is what Honda is after. 

Currently, Honda's largest SUV is the Passport, which sits on a unibody platform, and is comparable to another Japanese SUV that, currently, represents the best value for money in the midsize SUV segment. Should Honda and Mitsubishi enter a partnership, the new Montero will serve as a basis for a full-size, body-on-frame Honda SUV.

Judging by the latest developments, this is more likely than you think. In November 2024, Mitsubishi bought 10 percent of its shares back, reducing Nissan's stake from 34 percent to 24, as part of a broader strategy that aims to redefine the brand.  However, there is another issue that is also sticking a rod in the wheels of negotiation. 

Mitsubishi execs fear loss of identity 

If we look at Mitsubishi as the conglomerate that it is, its automotive branch represents a tiny portion of what the name represents. As a car company, Mitsubishi may be smaller than Nissan and Honda, but it is also the one that decides on all Mitsubishi vehicle production, not Nissan. 

Mitsubishi CEO, Takao Kato is worried that if Mitsubishi - a small automotive company – teams up with a much larger one, like Honda, it could mean a takeover. Kirk Kreifels remarked that Toyota has been doing something similar, by having stakes in a variety of other Japanese companies (Daihatsu, Subaru, Suzuki, Hino, etc.) and they still have their identity and, for the most part, their own model lineup. 

The Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger is also meant to spawn a large automotive company, rivaling Toyota that would allow snagging a bigger portion of the South-East Asia market, currently dominated by Chinese automakers. I would be curious how Honda would name its large, body-on-frame SUV if talks with Nissan and Mitsubishi bear fruit. This could also mean the rebirth of other iconic Mitsubishi models, like the Lancer Evolution, GTO, and others. I, personally, hope the next-generation Eclipse (if there is one) goes back to being a sports car. Which models would you like to see return?

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2026 Honda Passport, 2025 Mitsubishi Montero/ Pajero Sport