Core Viewpoint - Mitsubishi Motors is exploring joint vehicle production in the U.S. with Nissan and Honda due to the ongoing impact of U.S. tariff policies, aiming for substantial progress before the mid-term plan release in spring 2026 [1][9]. Group 1: Impact of U.S. Tariffs - The U.S. government imposed a 25% tariff on imported vehicles starting in April, significantly affecting Japanese automakers reliant on the U.S. market [3]. - Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Suzuki, are projected to incur a total loss of 1.5 trillion yen (approximately 686 million RMB) due to these tariffs in the first half of the 2025 fiscal year [3]. - Mitsubishi, lacking a vehicle production base in the U.S., faces increased losses in its North American operations, with a projected sales volume of 113,000 vehicles in the 2024 fiscal year, significantly lower than competitors [3][4]. Group 2: Capacity and Collaboration - Nissan operates assembly plants in Mississippi and Tennessee with a combined capacity of 1 million vehicles, but is only expected to produce 525,000 vehicles in 2024, indicating excess capacity [4]. - Honda's five U.S. assembly plants are running at over 80% capacity, leaving little room for additional production, necessitating external support for new market demands [4]. - The collaboration between Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Honda is seen as a natural complement to their production capacities, especially in light of competitive pressures and the transition to electric vehicles [4]. Group 3: Historical Context and Future Prospects - Mitsubishi and Nissan have a history of collaboration dating back to 2010, with significant partnerships established, including the formation of a joint venture focused on microcars [6]. - In 2024, Nissan and Honda signed an agreement to collaborate on vehicle software and electrification, with Mitsubishi expressing interest in joining this partnership to leverage their technological strengths [7]. - As the 2026 mid-term planning deadline approaches, the collaboration discussions among the three companies are entering a critical phase, which could set a new precedent for cooperation in the global automotive industry [9].

Group 1 - The internet, initially seen as a platform for free information exchange, has become a vehicle for the spread of misinformation and harmful content due to the demand side of bad information being overlooked [1][3] - The overwhelming amount of information available online has led individuals to rely on cognitive shortcuts, prioritizing cultural identity and group belonging over rational judgment [3][8] - The "scapegoat mechanism," as theorized by René Girard, explains how societies channel collective violence and tension towards outsiders or minorities to restore order and unity [6][8] Group 2 - The dynamics of information dissemination have shifted, with emotional and identity-driven content gaining precedence over complex and valuable ideas, leading to a rise in "antimemes"—important ideas that are difficult to spread [11][12] - Users are increasingly retreating to private, low-risk communication environments, seeking safety from the aggressive and volatile nature of public discourse on the internet [13][15] - The transformation of the internet from a marketplace of ideas to a battleground of opinions has profound implications for public discourse and the ability to address significant societal issues [13][15]