Nissan will integrate suppliers in plans to introduce 15 new technologies a year starting in 2009. “There will be some key technological areas where we will want to pilot development up to the manufacturing process, then we will hand it over to suppliers,” Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Nissan’s executive vice president in charge of R&D, said during a press briefing.
“For some other technological developments, we will need to have supplier involvement from the very beginning,” Yamashita said.
Yamashita said engine and transmission developments are those most likely to be done in-house, while interior and safety features will likely be developed closely with suppliers.
Nissan have already presented five technologies this year that demonstrate the type of products to come.