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Long gone are the days when the small, practical, and economical pickup trucks roamed the streets, until perhaps now. Recent discussions suggest that a shift may be on the horizon, with Nissan leading the way with the prospect of releasing a compact pickup in the U.S. market that could feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain or even go fully electric.
During the announcement of Nissan’s midterm business plan last week, CEO Makoto Uchida revealed plans for a smaller pickup truck to be brought to the U.S. Nissan, in partnership with Mitsubishi, aims to develop this next-generation vehicle, with manufacturing set to take place in Mexico. This location choice might provide an economical advantage by circumventing the U.S. Chicken Tax, all the while facilitating entry into Latin American markets. However, the specifics about the truck’s size, drivetrain, and release timeline are currently ambiguous.
Asia Cross Country Rally 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart. Mitsubishi
As discussions progress, it seems that the major contenders for the pickup’s drivetrain are a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model or a full-on Electric Vehicle (EV). Despite the unresolved details, Mitsubishi had also hinted at an electric pickup slated for a release by 2028, which might be part of this American collaboration. According to Nissan’s Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa, the anticipated timeframe for the joint venture’s product could range from three to seven years, pointing at a possible market entry between 2027 and 2031.
Mitsubishi’s five-year product plan as of 2023. Mitsubishi
This upcoming pickup is just one aspect of a larger collaboration piece between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Mitsubishi. This partnership is expected to lead to badge-engineered products entering the U.S. market, helping to shore up brand lineups. The Rogue platform, currently shared with Mitsubishi’s Outlander, exemplifies this strategic sharing, which is poised to extend into electric powertrains. Both Nissan and Mitsubishi anticipate unique PHEV and EV models to emerge from this teamwork, different from the pickup project at hand.
While the exact details remain shadowed, excitement brews for what could be a new contender in the economic and environmentally friendly pickup space. If a PHEV model equivalent to the Maverick, but with superior All-Wheel Control (SAWC), hits the market, it could revolutionize the segment.
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FAQs About the Nissan and Mitsubishi Compact Pickup
Q: What is the anticipated timeframe for the new Nissan and Mitsubishi pickup?
A: The truck could possibly arrive between 2027 and 2031.
Q: Will the new pickup be a PHEV or an EV?
A: The drivetrain options being considered include both PHEV and EV variants, though a final decision has yet to be made.
Q: Where will the pickup be manufactured?
A: The manufacturing of this new pickup is planned to take place in Mexico.
Q: Why is the decision to manufacture in Mexico significant?
A: Mexican production allows the vehicle to bypass the U.S. Chicken Tax and creates accessibility for markets in Latin America.
Q: Is this cooperative effort between Nissan and Mitsubishi a one-off, or part of a larger strategy?
A: This is part of a broader collaboration within the Renault-Nissan Alliance that includes shared platforms and future badge-engineered models for both brands.
Conclusion
The anticipation around Nissan and Mitsubishi’s collaborative venture hints at a resurgence of small, versatile, and potentially more sustainable pickup trucks in the U.S. market. As electric and hybrid technologies continue to advance, the automotive industry may see a significant transformation in consumer options. This proposed compact pickup could thus cater to a growing demographic seeking both practicality and environmental considerations in their vehicles. While the details remain uncertain, the projected plan reflects the industry’s shift towards a more eco-conscious outlook, aligning with global emissions goals and consumer preferences alike.
