In a strategic move to capitalize on their Alliance partnership, Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan are set to engage in a model exchange program that will see Mitsubishi offering a version of the upcoming third-generation Nissan Leaf electric car, while Nissan will gain access to Mitsubishi's well-regarded Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology. This rebadging initiative is, at least for the immediate future, designated exclusively for the United States market, with both co-developed models anticipated to arrive in American showrooms starting in 2026.
While Mitsubishi has indicated the possibility of this rebadged Nissan Leaf eventually expanding its availability to Australia and other international markets, the company's Australian division has concurrently confirmed a separate electric vehicle (EV) development. This Australian-bound EV will be sourced from Foxtron, a subsidiary of the Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn. Interestingly, this Foxtron-derived EV could potentially compete in the same market segment as the Nissan-sourced Leaf model if both were to be offered Down Under, creating a unique dynamic in Mitsubishi's local electrification strategy.
The Foxtron vehicle, widely understood to be a rebadged iteration of the Model B small SUV, is not initially expected to be sold in North America due to its production base in Taiwan. However, Foxconn, Foxtron's parent company renowned for manufacturing high-profile electronics like Apple's iPhone, the Nintendo Switch, and Sony's PlayStation, made a significant move in 2022 by acquiring an automotive production facility in the United States from the now-defunct Lordstown Motors. This acquisition provides Foxconn with the capability to manufacture vehicles within the US, a strategic advantage that could allow them to bypass or lessen the impact of tariffs, such as those previously imposed during the Trump administration, on vehicles imported from Taiwan.
Meanwhile, Nissan is looking to substantially broaden its range of hybrid model offerings in the United States, a strategy influenced by a noticeable plateau in the growth of pure electric vehicle sales in the region. Earlier in 2025, Nissan confirmed that its popular Rogue SUV – known as the X-Trail in Australia and other markets – will introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant in the US market by 2026. This new Rogue PHEV will complement the e-Power hybrid versions of Nissan vehicles, which are also slated to become available to American consumers starting in 2026. Initial speculation suggested that the PHEV technology for the Rogue would be borrowed from its Alliance partner, Mitsubishi, a logical assumption given that the Rogue/X-Trail and the Mitsubishi Outlander mid-size SUVs share the same underlying platform. Mitsubishi has since officially confirmed this arrangement.
In a formal statement, Mitsubishi Motors articulated its role: "Mitsubishi Motors will leverage its expertise in PHEV technology to supply an OEM model to Nissan for the North American market in 2026." Further indicating this development, a teaser image of the new Nissan Rogue PHEV was revealed in March 2025, showcasing a distinct grille design intended to differentiate it from its petrol-powered counterparts.
Conversely, Nissan Australia has different electrification plans for its market. A spokesperson for Nissan Australia informed Drive that "there are no plans for a plug-in hybrid X-Trail" to be introduced into local showrooms. This decision is likely due to the Australian market's adoption of Nissan’s proprietary e-Power series hybrid system for vehicle electrification, a technology already available in models like the X-Trail and Qashqai small SUV in Australia. The United States, however, will not gain access to this range-extender e-Power technology – which has seen success in markets where EV charging infrastructure is less developed or where range anxiety remains a concern – until at least March 2026. The current cooling of consumer interest in pure EVs, juxtaposed with a surge in hybrid sales in the US, means that providing the US-market Rogue with two distinct hybrid options (the Mitsubishi-derived PHEV and the upcoming e-Power) will better position it to compete against formidable rivals like the Toyota RAV4.
Beyond this specific model exchange, Mitsubishi has expressed intentions to further solidify its collaborative relationship with Nissan. This could potentially lead to additional shared models, including speculation about a Mitsubishi version of Nissan's Ariya electric SUV. "Mitsubishi Motors continues to explore ways to strengthen its partnership with Nissan, aiming to enhance its line-up of electrified vehicles and accelerate efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality," the company stated, signaling a commitment to leveraging the Alliance for future growth in the electrified vehicle sector.