Mitsubishi and Nissan to launch four new Kei cars in Japan

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Nissan Motor will introduce four new mini-vehicles in Japan through their joint venture, as the companies continue to expand their collaboration.

Production of the all-new Mitsubishi eK wagon, Mitsubishi eK X, Nissan Dayz, and Nissan Dayz Highway Star, began last week at Mitsubishi's Mizushima Plant in Kurashiki, Japan. For the first time, the models will be offered with semi-autonomous driving technology, designed for single-lane use on highways.

NMKV, a joint venture of the two companies, integrated Nissan's advanced technologies and Mitsubishi's extensive experience in mini-vehicle production into the light, tall wagon-type cars. The companies launched the first generation of the models in 2013 and have increased their collaboration since becoming Alliance partners in 2016. Last month, the all-new Nissan Livina, which shares a platform with the Mitsubishi Xpander, went on sale in Indonesia.

The new models deliver markedly improved performance, with upgraded platforms, engines and transmissions. They also feature an all-new design. While the Nissan and Mitsubishi mini-vehicles share key components, they retain separate brand features.

The models will go on sale in Japan later this month.