Honda and Mitsubishi Develop New Pickup Truck for 2028
The upcoming pickup will launch in Southeast Asian markets and utilize the existing Mitsubishi Triton architecture.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Trucks
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Honda and Mitsubishi have signed a memorandum of understanding to co-develop a new pickup truck for Southeast Asian markets. The vehicle will be based on the existing Mitsubishi Triton architecture and is expected to launch in 2028.
Why it matters
This partnership allows Honda to expand its product lineup in Southeast Asia by leveraging existing vehicle architecture. The collaboration builds on Honda's long-standing regional brand strength, which originally stems from its motorcycle production.
The new truck will utilize the Mitsubishi Triton platform, which currently features a 2.4-liter turbo-diesel engine outputting 201 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle is slated for a 2028 launch, marking Honda's first significant return to truck production since the 1963 T360.
The players
Honda
A global automotive manufacturer known for fuel-efficient vehicles and a long history of motorcycle production in Southeast Asia.
Mitsubishi
An automotive manufacturer that produces the Triton, a mid-size pickup truck currently sold in various international markets.
The details
The development process relies on Honda utilizing the proven mechanical structure of the Mitsubishi Triton. By integrating this existing architecture, Honda aims to bypass the high development costs associated with designing a new truck frame from scratch. This strategy effectively scales production using existing engine and chassis specifications, focusing initially on meeting consumer demands within the Southeast Asian market.
Timeline
1963: Honda produced the T360 kei truck.
2028: The new Honda pickup is expected to launch.
The Home Front
Automakers are increasingly utilizing collaborative platform sharing to navigate regional market demands. This strategy allows companies to bypass the 25 percent U.S. import tariff on small pickups by focusing production and sales on international territories where such trade barriers do not apply.
If you reside in Southeast Asian markets, this development suggests that a new truck option will be available to your household starting in 2028. Because the vehicle uses the existing Mitsubishi Triton platform, you can research the current Triton specifications to understand the engine power and performance capabilities you might expect from the new Honda model.
The takeaway
This partnership highlights a shift toward platform sharing to manage expansion costs in specialized global markets. Prospective buyers should track official announcements closer to the 2028 launch for specific interior configurations and regional safety features.
Further reading
For more on the latest vehicle developments, visit our section on Trucks.
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