Honda will reportedly offer a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton in Southeast Asia by 2028 to address declining sales in China, Japanese media reports via Automotive News.
Aside from offering the rebadged Triton in Southeast Asia, Honda is also reportedly considering bringing the rebadged Mitsubishi pickup truck to other regions. This move is said to be part of Honda and Mitsubishi’s plan to expand their collaboration, a partnership that also includes Nissan.
Of note, the joining of forces of three Japanese automakers, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Nissan, previously did not push forward following a failed 2024 merger attempt. But if the reports from Japan turn out to be true, the teaming up of Honda, Mitsubishi, and Nissan could give each automaker added push to counter the growing influence of Chinese cars, specifically electric vehicles.
Honda’s sales performance in China is declining, with 645,000 unit sales in 2025 compared to 1.63 million unit sales in 2020. As such, Honda is finding ways to curb its sales in China, which has become a market that leans more towards patronizing electric vehicles, with the Geely EX2 as its best-selling model so far.
However, Honda and Mitsubishi have yet to confirm the reports pertaining to the rebadged Triton as well as the possible merger. Both Japanese car brands are keeping everything under wraps as of this writing.
A representative from Honda reportedly said that the company had not announced a decision yet and has declined to comment on the reports. On the other hand, Mitsubishi spokeswoman Shiori Akiyama noted that “Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors are continuing discussions about various collaborations. We will make an announcement at an appropriate time.”
Honda currently has a pickup truck in its product portfolio, the Ridgeline, which has a unibody chassis. Honda currently doesn’t have a ladder frame pickup truck, which is why it is reportedly planning to offer a rebadged Triton. In doing so, and if it becomes official, Honda will have a midsize pickup truck that could up against the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and Ford Ranger, among others in Southeast Asia.
Autocar’s Take
Reports stating that Honda could offer a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton in Southeast Asia is interesting, since it could shake up the pickup truck market in the region. It could help Honda drive sales in the region, which is a market that has a preference for midsize pickup trucks. In the Philippines, pickup trucks are one of the most common vehicles due to their high ground clearance, versatility, and overall appeal. As such, a Honda truck with a ladder frame like the Triton and the next-gen Pajero could generate market interest.
