Honda Motor and Mitsubishi Motors have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a Triton-based pickup for the ASEAN market, with sales scheduled for 2028. 

Under the MoU, Honda will introduce a one-tonne pickup truck built on the ladder-frame architecture of the Mitsubishi Triton.

The arrangement is the first complementary vehicle supply initiative agreed between the two Japanese carmakers.

The vehicle will be manufactured at Mitsubishi Motors' production facility in Thailand, which is expected to increase output and raise capacity utilisation at the site.

Mitsubishi's main global production facility for the Triton is in Laem Chabang, just east of Thailand's capital Bangkok.

The facility produced around 113,000 Triton pickup trucks last year, which were exported worldwide, along with a further 25,000 Pajero SUVs based on the same ladder chassis.

The Nissan Navara Diesel, launched earlier this year in Australia and New Zealand, is also based on the Triton and is produced there.

The project originates from a broader three-party strategic partnership framework begun in August 2024 with Nissan Motor.

Under that preliminary agreement, Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan started assessing opportunities for mutual product supply across various regions, aiming to address portfolio gaps and adjust to local operating conditions.

For Honda, the arrangement provides an entry route into the ASEAN pickup segment, where it currently has no commercial offering.

The three manufacturers intend to pursue further collaboration under the framework, including additional product supply opportunities and the shared use of product and technological assets.

Earlier this month, Honda launched production of the updated City Hatchback at its assembly plant in Melaka, Malaysia, as it continues to strengthen its model line-up in the Southeast Asian market.

Last month, Mitsubishi Motors unveiled its all-new Pajero full-size SUV.