Nissan and Chrysler are reportedly in talks to co-develop technology for future cars and trucks. The third largest Japanese and U.S. automakers are discussing the future development of trucks, small cars and engines. Nissan is interested in Chrysler’s expertise in trucks while the Cerberus-owned Chrysler is interested in access to Nissan’s small cars.
Nissan’s full size truck — the Titan — is currently the only truck in the segment with fewer than 100,000 U.S. sales annually. Chrysler’s Ram pickup is the third best selling truck in the U.S.
Chrysler ’s interest in Nissan ’s small cars is no doubt a direct result of stricter proposed CAFE standards. The energy bill containing the new CAFE standard was just passed by the Senate and calls for a 35 mpg fleet-wide average by 2020. With Chrysler’s lineup heavily favoring inefficient trucks and SUVs, a partnership with an expert in small car technology could help the Detroit automaker comply with new regulations.
According to Bloomberg, the talks do not involve purchasing equity stakes in either company.
Nissan recently announced that it will produce trucks for Suzuki and Chrysler will soon produce minivans for Volkswagen.
