Nissan and Mitsubishi have long existed side-by-side in the weird tri-automaker alliance that also includes the French company Renault. Even so, the two have never collaborated on a Vehicle for the U.S. market, though that could be about to change. Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida announced that the pair would share vehicle tech and design knowledge to create a handful of new vehicles for American buyers.

Mitsubishi will gain Nissan’s EV expertise to launch a new electric model, while Nissan will lean on its partner for help with a new hybrid vehicle. At the same time, the duo will work together on a jointly developed pickup truck to be built in Mexico. Automotive News pointed out that the automakers are considering electric and hybrid variants at this time and said that the one-ton model could be the next-gen replacement for the Nissan Frontier.

Neither company is in a particularly strong position in the U.S., so this move could provide a path for both to become more competitive. Nissan doesn’t offer a hybrid here, and Mitsubishi doesn’t have EVs, so it’s a match made in heaven – at least on paper. Nissan’s somewhat recently-refreshed Frontier pickup is already behind the times, as Ford, Toyota, and General Motors have newer, more refined trucks on sale.

While this could significantly benefit Mitsubishi and Nissan, it likely won’t be the silver bullet that makes them immediately competitive. Badge-engineered vehicles don’t always scratch the same itch as original models, especially when the alternatives are so compelling. Whatever the outcome, both brands desperately need this partnership to boost their standings in the United States.

[Image: Nissan]

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