Mitsubishi Motors declared on Monday that it has decided to withdraw from its previously planned investment in Ampere, Renault’s electric vehicle division, which was initially scheduled for the end of 2024.
The Japanese automaker initially intended to contribute up to €200 million to Renault’s dedicated electric vehicle business but has now adjusted its strategic direction.
Although Mitsubishi has withdrawn from the investment, it has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Renault on product development. The company plans to introduce multiple new models in 2025, built on Renault platforms, including a Grandis SUV based on the Renault Symbioz and a fully electric successor to the Eclipse Cross, which will utilize the Scenic E-Tech platform.
An Ampere spokesperson affirmed that the company is financially stable and generating sufficient cash flow to sustain its development independently, without depending on minority shareholder funding.
The Renault-Mitsubishi EV partnership was originally part of the broader Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, designed to foster technology sharing and cut development expenses. However, both Mitsubishi and Nissan have opted out of financial investments in Ampere.
Earlier this year, Nissan also withdrew its planned €600 million investment, signaling a shift in strategy.
Renault is moving ahead confidently, with EV sales seeing a strong increase in Q1 2025, driven by successful releases like the Renault 5 electric hatchback. Additionally, Ampere is set to manufacture the next-generation Nissan Micra, which will be built on the same platform.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi is adopting a more measured approach, prioritizing regional EV launches and cost-efficient development. The ASX and Colt, both derived from Renault’s designs, will remain part of its lineup.
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