Recent merger talks between Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Honda have reignited speculation about a potential collaboration between the Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Pajero. The prospect of platform sharing has gained traction, especially with Nissan’s decision to drop the Patrol’s 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine (298kW/560Nm) for the 2025 model, signalling a shift in strategy.
Nissan’s Senior Vice-President and Chief Planning Officer for the AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania) region, Francois Bailly, previously confirmed that discussions with Mitsubishi had occurred. However, he acknowledged that talks had stalled due to Nissan’s reluctance to share its “core DNA” products like the Patrol.
“Would you do an OEM deal on GT-R or Patrol?” Mr Bailly remarked, underscoring the Patrol’s importance to Nissan’s brand identity. “This [Patrol] is Nissan, this is the core of Nissan, this is the ultimate DNA of the company.”
While he confirmed that “Yes, [there were discussions] and no [Mitsubishi will not use the platform],” he also hinted at the possibility of platform sharing under specific conditions. “[But] we could sell it, it really depends on for what and how,” he noted.
Merger Talks Could Shift Priorities
The proposed merger between Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Honda has cast a new light on Nissan’s stance. Nissan’s financial struggles, including an 85% plunge in Q2 profit and a $US2.6 billion ($A4.2b) cost-cutting plan that involves axing 9000 jobs, have left the company in a more precarious position. Some analysts believe Nissan’s weakened state may force it to reconsider its hardline stance on the Patrol’s platform.
The History of Patrol and Pajero
The 2025 Patrol is Nissan’s first all-new large SUV with a ladder-frame chassis in 14 years, marking a major evolution for the model. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Pajero was discontinued in 2021 after 15 years of production of its fourth-generation model. However, a next-generation Pajero has been spotted in testing, reportedly based on the current Triton drivetrain. This development has reignited speculation about a possible link between the Pajero and Patrol.
Internationally, the Pajero is known as the Montero in markets such as the US and the Philippines, adding to its global recognition and appeal. Collaboration between these two iconic off-roaders has been speculated since Mitsubishi joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 2016.
Existing Collaboration Between Mitsubishi and Nissan
Mitsubishi and Nissan have an established history of platform sharing, notably with the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail mid-size SUVs. The upcoming Navara will also borrow from the new Triton’s platform, underscoring the potential for further cooperation.
Final Thoughts
Merger talks between Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Honda could alter the future of the Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Pajero. While past discussions on platform sharing faltered due to Nissan’s desire to protect its core products, the company’s current financial strain could make it more receptive to collaboration. As the Patrol shifts away from its V8 engine, the opportunity for shared development with Mitsubishi’s Pajero is once again on the table. The recent sighting of a next-generation Pajero based on the Triton drivetrain further fuels the possibility of a future Pajero-Patrol partnership.
