Core Viewpoint - Japanese automakers, including Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, are significantly expanding their product lines, particularly focusing on hybrid and electric vehicles in response to market demands and competitive pressures [1][3][20]. Group 1: Honda's Strategy - Honda is launching the Prelude model, its first hybrid vehicle in 25 years, aiming to showcase a new interpretation of driving pleasure [3]. - The company is also introducing its 0 series electric vehicle prototypes, with plans for a crossover and sedan to debut next year [5]. - Acura, Honda's luxury brand, plans to add hybrid models, with speculation that popular models like the RDX may be among the first to feature hybrid technology [8]. Group 2: Nissan's Plans - Nissan is set to introduce multiple hybrid models, including the Rogue and Pathfinder, to counter declining sales in key markets [10][12]. - The company aims to deliver nearly 20 new and upgraded models to the U.S. and Canada by spring 2027, with 90% of these models featuring electric versions [10]. - Nissan's strategy includes offering various powertrain options for its main products, adapting to market needs [12]. Group 3: Mitsubishi's Aggressive Expansion - Mitsubishi plans to double its product lineup in the U.S. by early 2031 and will convert four existing models to include hybrid and electric options [15]. - The company will share Nissan's CMF-EV platform and introduce a compact electric crossover and a sporty passenger vehicle in the next decade [15]. - Mitsubishi's immediate plans include launching a hybrid version of the Outlander in 2026 and a new off-road hybrid model by the end of next year [17]. Group 4: Market Trends and Challenges - The global market for electric and hybrid vehicles is projected to grow significantly, with a 25% increase in new sales expected by 2025 [17]. - Japanese automakers have been slow to adapt to the electric vehicle trend, resulting in a market share of only 1.56% for Japanese electric vehicles compared to the global average [19]. - The shift towards hybrid technology is seen as a necessary step for Japanese automakers to remain competitive amid changing market dynamics and consumer preferences [20].

Group 1 - Mercedes-Benz plans to sell its approximately $346 million (about 2.47 billion RMB) stake in Nissan, leading to a significant drop in Nissan's stock price by about 6%, the largest decline since early July [1] - Nissan reported a loss of 79.1 billion yen (approximately 3.83 billion RMB) in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of losses [1][3] - The sale of Nissan shares is not considered strategically important by Mercedes-Benz, which aims to clean up its investment portfolio [1] Group 2 - Under the new CEO Ivan Espinosa, Nissan has launched a cost-cutting plan called "Re:Nissan" to restore profitability and achieve positive free cash flow by fiscal year 2026 [3] - In the first fiscal quarter, Nissan achieved global sales of 707,000 units and consolidated net revenue of 2.7 trillion yen (approximately 130.71 billion RMB), with operating losses significantly lower than the previously forecasted 200 billion yen (approximately 9.68 billion RMB) [3] - Nissan has made progress in reducing fixed and variable costs, saving over 30 billion yen (approximately 1.45 billion RMB) in the first fiscal quarter alone [3] Group 3 - Nissan's new vehicle deliveries decreased by approximately 10.2% year-on-year in the first fiscal quarter, with sales declines observed in major markets including North America and Japan [4] - The company faces challenges in brand rebuilding and market restructuring amid global cost-cutting efforts, with some key models entering a replacement window [4] - The penetration rate of Nissan's new energy vehicles, based on pure electric and e-Power technology, has not yet reached stable growth levels in key markets like China and the U.S. [4]