Nikkei: Isuzu, Mitsubishi Motors and Mazda weakening ties with Europe
06 August 2012
The Nikkei reports that Isuzu Motors Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. are calling off joint development projects and procurement deals with partners in Europe as a result of the region’s debt problems.
Because of their small market shares in Europe, the impact of the region’s debt crisis on Japanese automakers is seen as muted. But with automobile sales in Europe undershooting year-earlier levels since last autumn, the Japanese firms are reviewing tie-ups in areas that could be impacted by the sales slump, such as the supply of parts and finished vehicles.
Isuzu will halt development of a next-generation diesel for Opel AG. Isuzu is currently in talks with GM to pull out of their Polish joint venture, in which it owns a roughly 40% stake, according to the report.
Mitsubishi Motors has suspended its supply of the i-MiEV to PSA Peugeot Citroën Group due to sluggish sales, according to the report.
Mazda will quit receiving small diesel engines from PSA and switch to its own when the target vehicles go through remodeling.
'Mitsubishi Motors has suspended its supply of the i-MiEV to PSA Peugeot Citroën Group due to sluggish sales, according to the report.'
Oh dear. If 7,000 Euros subsidy in France is not shifting them, what will?
I am getting doubtful on the Leaf and Zoe plans.
Posted by: Davemart | 06 August 2012 at 02:13 AM
C'mon, spoiling my lunch?!?!?!? The ZOE will be on sale from march 2013. Simply because it must. It is written in the stars and there is no way Renault is going to wiggle itself out of it. Period, end of discussion.
Posted by: Arne | 06 August 2012 at 04:00 AM
@Anne:
I do hope you are doing your Zoe dance then, so the Gods look upon it favourably!
Posted by: Davemart | 06 August 2012 at 04:10 AM