Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore a business integration through the establishment of a joint holding company. The move aims to bolster global competitiveness and deliver innovative products and services, aligning with the automotive industry’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Driving Toward Carbon Neutrality and Innovation
The partnership builds upon an earlier MOU signed in March 2024, which outlined strategic collaboration in areas such as vehicle intelligence and electrification. Following a second MOU in August 2024, the companies expanded their cooperation to include joint research on next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Nissan and Honda aim to accelerate their shared vision of achieving a carbon-neutral society and advancing zero-traffic fatality solutions by pooling their resources, expertise, and technologies.
Susulan kejayaan pelancaran di Pameran Mobiliti Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIMS) 2024, Edaran Tan Chong Motors Sdn.Bhd. (ETCM) ingin mengumumkan lanjutan promosi Early Bird untuk Nissan KICKS e-POWER Serba Baharu.
Tawaran istimewa ini kini tersedia kepada 1,000 pelanggan pertama, termasuk diskaun pengenalan sebanyak RM5,000 dan jaminan komponen EV selama 10 tahun/160,000km.
Disamping jaminan lanjutan, ETCM juga menawarkan pelbagai perkhidmatan tambah nilai untuk pembeli Nissan KICKS e-POWER. Perkhidmatan ini merangkumi 62 bengkel di seluruh negara yang dikendalikan oleh juruteknik bertauliah e-POWER, bantuan tepi jalan 24 jam, lima hab alat ganti serantau, dan kereta gantian untuk pembaikan yang mengambil masa lebih daripada 24 jam.
Nissan Malaysia is creating a buzz with the launch of its exclusive Early Bird Promo for the highly anticipated Nissan KICKS e-POWER. This exciting initiative, available for a limited time, offers customers attractive incentives, making it the perfect opportunity to drive home Nissan’s revolutionary hybrid SUV.
What is the Nissan KICKS e-POWER?
The KICKS e-POWER is Nissan’s next-generation hybrid SUV that blends innovative technology with a bold design. Featuring the unique e-POWER system, the vehicle delivers an electrified driving experience without the need for external charging. This groundbreaking technology uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine to charge the battery, while the wheels are powered entirely by an electric motor, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and responsive drive.
Early Bird Promo Details
Under this limited-time offer, customers who book the Nissan KICKS e-POWER will enjoy:
Attractive booking incentives: Exclusive rebates for early adopters.
Free accessories package: Enhance your KICKS e-POWER with premium accessories.
Extended warranty: Enjoy additional peace of mind with an extended warranty covering both the car and the e-POWER system.
Dua pembuat kereta terkemuka Jepun, Honda Motor dan Nissan Motor, dikatakan sedang dalam perbincangan untuk bergabung di bawah satu syarikat induk. Langkah ini bertujuan memperkukuh kedudukan mereka dalam menghadapi pesaing utama dalam sektor kenderaan elektrik (EV) seperti Tesla. Menurut laporan, kedua-dua syarikat berkemungkinan menandatangani memorandum persefahaman untuk mewujudkan entiti baharu.
Selain itu, Mitsubishi Motors, di mana Nissan memiliki kepentingan besar, juga mungkin menjadi sebahagian daripada struktur baharu ini. Penggabungan ini berpotensi membentuk salah satu kumpulan automotif terbesar dunia, menawarkan kelebihan skala yang signifikan.
Tiada Pengesahan Rasmi tetapi Potensi Kerjasama Diterokai
Walaupun laporan ini mencetuskan spekulasi, Honda dan Nissan telah menjelaskan bahawa tiada pengumuman rasmi telah dibuat. Bagaimanapun, kedua-duanya mengakui sedang meneroka peluang kerjasama, selaras dengan usaha sebelumnya untuk memanfaatkan kekuatan masing-masing dalam industri automotif.
Memperkukuh Hubungan di Tengah Persaingan EV
Perbincangan ini berlaku selepas perjanjian pada Mac 2024 di mana Honda dan Nissan bersetuju untuk menjalin kerjasama strategik dalam pengeluaran EV. Sebagai pengeluar kereta kedua dan ketiga terbesar Jepun selepas Toyota, kerjasama ini mencerminkan usaha mereka untuk mengejar pesaing global dalam pasaran EV yang berkembang pesat.
Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly entering discussions to merge under a single holding company in a bid to strengthen their position against electric vehicle (EV) industry leaders like Tesla, according to reports.
Reports also stated that the two companies are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the new entity. Mitsubishi Motors, where Nissan holds a significant stake, may also be included in the structure, potentially forming one of the largest auto groups globally.
Honda and Nissan issued statements addressing the report, clarifying that neither company had made any official announcements. However, they acknowledged their ongoing exploration of collaborative opportunities, leveraging each other’s strengths, as previously disclosed.
The Nissan KICKS e-POWER sets a new standard in performance and efficiency, delivering an outstanding fuel economy of 21.7 km/L. With this remarkable efficiency, drivers can expect a range of up to 900 km on a full tank, making it an ideal choice for long-distance travellers and urban commuters alike. Under the hood, the KICKS is powered by Nissan’s advanced second-generation e-POWER system, offering a robust output of 129PS and an impressive 280Nm of torque. This system is paired with a 2.06 kWh lithium-ion battery, which supports smooth and powerful acceleration, reflecting the essence of an electric vehicle.
The KICKS e-POWER provides a versatile driving experience with four distinct modes: ECO, SPORT, STANDARD, and EV. These modes allow drivers to tailor their driving preferences to different road conditions and personal preferences. Adding to its innovative features, the e-Pedal Step system simplifies driving by enabling single-pedal operation. This system proves particularly useful in urban environments with frequent stop-and-go traffic or on winding roads where precision control is essential. Furthermore, the KICKS e-POWER reduces tailpipe emissions by 20% compared to similar internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, contributing significantly to a greener future.
Safety has been prioritised in the design of the Nissan KICKS e-POWER, which proudly boasts a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating. The SUV is equipped with an array of advanced safety systems, including Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and an Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. These systems provide drivers with enhanced situational awareness and confidence on the road. Additionally, the Intelligent Rear-View Mirror (IRVM) integrates a 2-megapixel camera to ensure exceptional visibility at night and eliminate obstructions from the driver’s view. Complementing these features, the vehicle’s robust body structure and seven airbags ensure a high level of protection for all occupants.
The KICKS e-POWER combines a contemporary exterior design with a comfortable and practical interior. The sleek body showcases Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, LED lighting, and a sporty floating roof, adding a dynamic edge to its aesthetic. Measuring 4,290 mm in length, it offers ample space for passengers and a generous 423-litre trunk, catering to active lifestyles and family needs. Inside, the Zero-Gravity seats provide superior comfort, minimising fatigue during long journeys. Depending on the variant, the interior is enhanced with premium materials, such as black fabric with blue stitching for the VL model or black and mocha brown leatherette in the VLT model. The SUV also features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, ensuring seamless connectivity for all passengers.
The VL variant is priced at RM113,800, the VLT at RM121,800 and the VLT two-tone variant is priced at RM125,800. With maintenance costs estimated at just RM3,624 over 100,000 km within five years, the KICKS e-POWER offers exceptional value for money. This cost-efficiency, coupled with ETCM’s comprehensive support network of 62 service centres nationwide, ensures a hassle-free ownership experience. Moreover, certified e-POWER technicians, 24-hour roadside assistance, and courtesy cars for extended repairs enhance customer confidence. Owners also benefit from a 5-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160,000 km warranty for EV components. For the first 500 customers, this EV component warranty is extended to 10 years, reflecting ETCM’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Nissan made an impression at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2024 with the unveiling of its latest model, the New Nissan Serena. This premium seven-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) promises to redefine family travel, offering a blend of space, versatility, and technology. Priced from 1,469,000 baht (RM189,578), the Serena has been designed to enrich every journey with its spacious cabin and innovative features, making it a compelling choice for Thai families.
The New Nissan Serena is a testament to the brand’s “Big. Easy. Fun.” philosophy, ensuring both functionality and enjoyment for all passengers. Since its inception in Japan in 1991, the Serena has been celebrated for its spaciousness, and the latest iteration builds on this legacy. It boasts the most generous cabin space in its segment, ensuring ample room for passengers across all three rows. Cleverly designed seating arrangements provide up to thirteen configurations, allowing users to adapt the interior for activities ranging from long road trips to beach outings. Additionally, passengers can enjoy features such as adjustable second- and third-row seats, 14 cup holders, six USB ports, and personal tables, all designed to enhance convenience and comfort.
After what seemed like a never-ending hiatus, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is back launching new cars again. And it is not just introducing facelifts, it is shaking the market with a model we have never seen in Malaysia before – the Nissan Kicks.
Small yet spacious, refined yet fun, the Kicks is a gentle reminder of how cars used to be. In this day and age of massive infotainment screens that swivel unnecessarily, the Kicks is humble yet advanced at the same time.
What is it?
The Nissan Kicks is a B-Segment contender, that means it goes up against competition like the Honda HR-V and the Proton X50, among others.
Malaysians are only just getting the Kicks, which is quite surprising since rumours were abound that we would be getting it as far back as 2018. But ETCM is eager to put that past behind them and look forward to introducing the Kicks to Malaysian homes.
We are also getting the first-generation model, which some netizens have chastised because the second-generation model has already been introduced since early 2024. But the second-generation model is not yet available in right hand drive model.
Why is it a big deal?
While a number of Malaysians including governmental policies are looking at electric vehicles, the Kicks is a hybrid SUV. This is not at all surprising because Japanese car makers have maintained that they will continue to offer cars with an internal combustion engine alongside electrified models.
The Kicks uses a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that acts as a generator that helps to charge a battery which in turn powers a motor which then turns the wheels. In our minds, that would make the Kicks a hybrid car. Except that it is not, at least that is what Nissan wants us to believe.
A hybrid car usually has a powertrain that includes an engine and a battery, both of which can power the wheels independently or work concurrently to turn the wheels.
The Kicks is very different in that sense. Though it may have an engine, it does not in any way turn the wheels. In fact, the engine’s sole function is to recharge the battery, even on the fly.
The battery, which has a capacity of 2.06kWh, then powers the motor. The motor is the only thing that does the heavy lifting and moves the car.
So, because it is only the motor that does the work, the hybrid term does not apply to the Kicks. According to Nissan at least.
But that aside, the Kicks is also a big deal because it drives fantastically well. The suspension and connection between man and machine that it offers is something that Chinese car makers are still struggling to match.
But that should not come as a surprise since Nissan has been making cars for the past 90 years and have brought the world such legends as the GT-R, the Z series, the Fairlady and plenty of other goliaths.
The powertrain is the real star of the show
Based on what we just described above, those in the know may think that the powertrain of the Nissan Kicks works in a similar fashion to Honda’s e:HEV series of hybrids. But the difference between the two is that the Honda’s engine can also power the wheels and recharge the battery at the same time. As what we have explained, Nissan’s engine does not do that.
So this means that the Nissan Kick works on electric power all of the time, except that it does not need to be recharged in the normal sense.
And this is where it stands out amongst the herds of hybrids. Where its competitors create cars that still rely on the internal combustion engine for propulsion, the Kicks does not. It only needs the engine for recharging purposes.
You may ask then if it defeats the purpose of driving an electric vehicle since one of the main objectives of an EV is to be environmentally friendly. Besides the fact that mining lithium needed to create batteries is harming the environment itself, the Kicks just needs very little petrol to recharge the battery.
The official fuel consumption figure for the Kicks stands at 21.7km per litre, or 4.61 litres per 100km. That is outstanding by itself already. And this has very minimal impact to the environment.
But how does it fare in the real world?
It is quite an impressive car. Despite its size, it is spacious inside, good enough for four tall adults to get comfortable, or a young family. Even the booth size is impressive, at 423 litres, it is just below on the Honda HRV’s 440 litres. Just to put it into perspective, two regular size golf bags can be fitted into the Nissan Kicks, plus some luggage.
The interior may seem simplistic, especially to the newer generation. This is particularly so when compared to the competitors from China with their massive infotainment screens, futuristic designs and features.
But for this writer, the interior of the Kicks is a refreshing departure from everything we are getting from China. It reminds me of cars of yesteryear with its physical buttons and dials for all of the essentials. There is even soft touch panels around the cabin and double-stitching for a premium touch.
The one part about the interior that I truly like are the seats. During a recent media drive to Melaka and back, I was paired by an elderly gentleman who drove for all of 30 minutes and deemed that good enough for his review. So, I had to take on the Captain’s seat for two days, which was plenty of time to get properly acquainted with the seat.
Nissan is the company that introduced the zero gravity seats, and the Kicks offers them as well. This concept was inspired by the fatigue reduction and comfort enhancing, Nasa-measured “neutral posture”.
In a weightless scenario, human posture is said to be weakened and the burden on the body is at its least. According to Nissan, posture does not collapse even over long period and you are less likely to become tired. So by applying this neutral posture to a car seat, fatigue from long periods of time is minimized. And as I experienced, the seats in the Kicks really are good. Perhaps not as good as the ones in the Navara, but still good.
Is the powertrain as good as Nissan says?
Fuel efficiency is what the powertrain has been designed to do and that is what it does best. However, I did not see the claimed consumption of 21.7km per litre, the best I saw was 18.2km per litre, but perhaps that is because we spent a lot of time corner carving around the back roads from Port Dickson to Melaka.
ETCM wanted us to experience the suspension setting of the car, and hence why that route was chosen. And the suspension is nearly perfect for a car of this segment, comfortable when you need it to be, and stiff when you hit the corners, so much so that you don’t really need to lift much for sweeping corners, which lets you adopt a smooth driving style, which thus improves efficiency.
Power delivery though is just decent. With 129PS and 280Nm of torque, the delivery is better lower down the rev band, at low speed. In traffic, the initial surge in power makes the Kicks feel like an EV, but it dissipates quickly as you keep your foot floored. Acceleration time is rated at 9.5 seconds to 100km/h, which says a lot about what the car is meant to do.
ETCM says that the natural habitat for the Kicks is in traffic, and we believe them. Because that is where the car felt its best. Along the narrow streets of traffic-light laden Melaka, it was easy to close the gap in between cars with just a little tap of the accelerator. The beauty of EV’s in traffic is the torque that is accessible from zero rpm, and that is what you get with the Kicks as well.
So, should you buy one?
It is difficult to answer this one without knowing the price of the car. But should it be priced in between RM120,000 to RM130,000, the Kicks would be in some very choppy waters.
There is no denying that brands from China have been shaking up the local market. The Haval H6 Hybrid is priced at just under RM140,000, and that is a car that is bigger, roomier, and is quite efficient as well.
But the Nissan has proper pedigree in its side. A well-established network of service centres and 70 years of experience operating in the domestic market means ETCM is a company that is far ahead of the competition in terms of after sales service.
And then there is the way the car drives and handles, which I can rave about but is something you need to experience to believe.
The Kicks may appeal to the traditionalists, and rightfully so as it is a delightful car to drive. Now it all comes down to the price. ETCM, the ball is in your court.
Mitsubishi Motors telah mengumumkan langkah untuk membeli balik sejumlah besar sahamnya daripada Nissan, satu langkah yang akan mengurangkan pegangan Nissan dalam syarikat tersebut daripada 34.07% kepada 24.05%. Pembelian ini melibatkan 149,028,300 saham pada harga sekitar $3.01 sesaham, menjadikan pelaburan Nissan dalam Mitsubishi kurang dominan. Walaupun pegangan Nissan akan berkurangan, Mitsubishi menegaskan bahawa kerjasama dan pakatan antara kedua-dua jenama akan berterusan, terutama dalam Perikatan Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.
Kedua-dua Mitsubishi dan Nissan terus menjalankan beberapa projek kenderaan bersama. Di Amerika Syarikat, misalnya, Nissan Rogue menjadi asas bagi Mitsubishi Outlander. Di bawah pakatan ini, lebih banyak model dijangka dikembangkan bersama, termasuk pikap sederhana yang disasarkan untuk pasaran A.S.
Mitsubishi announced plans to repurchase a substantial portion of its shares from Nissan, with an order placed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange to buy up to 149,028,300 shares at approximately $3.01 per share. This buyback will reduce Nissan’s current stake in Mitsubishi from 34.07% to 24.05%, effectively altering Nissan’s influence in the company. Despite the sale, Mitsubishi emphasised that both brands will continue their alliance and collaboration on vehicle projects.
Although specific collaborative projects were not detailed, Mitsubishi and Nissan are both part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which includes joint efforts in various global markets. In the U.S., for instance, the Nissan Rogue serves as the base for Mitsubishi’s Outlander. Looking forward, the alliance is expected to introduce multiple jointly developed models, including a mid-size pickup aimed at the U.S. market.
