A high-profile Japanese consortium, spearheaded by ex-Tesla board member Hiro Mizuno and supported by influential political figures, is preparing to pitch Tesla on a potential investment in Nissan. The group’s strategy hinges on leveraging Nissan’s underutilized U.S. manufacturing plants as a value proposition for Tesla. But with Tesla CEO Elon Musk doubling down on proprietary manufacturing innovations, will Nissan’s facilities align with the automaker’s vision?
Elon emphasized the significance of Tesla’s manufacturing capabilities, stating “The Tesla factory IS the product. The Cybercab production line is like nothing else in the automotive industry.”
Tesla’s unboxed process (“Unboxed Process” Manufacturing for $25k Car), described by VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy as a “structural revolution,” reimagines automotive construction by merging the chassis and body into a single unit. Traditional methods rely on assembling modular sections—a system that introduces complexity through seams, fasteners, and redundant components. By contrast, Tesla’s approach consolidates the vehicle into three core modules: front, rear, and an integrated battery pack. The result? Reduced weight, enhanced durability, and streamlined assembly.
Outlined in Tesla’s WO2024182432 patent, allows the company to streamline the assembly of its electric vehicles.
Tesla’s WO2024182432 patent
This methodology isn’t theoretical. The Cybertruck’s exoskeleton design—a departure from conventional panel-based construction—offers a tangible preview. Its seamless structure eliminates welded box sections, enabling faster production and easier maintenance. For the upcoming Cybercab, Tesla aims to refine this technique further, targeting cost efficiencies that could democratize EV adoption.
Nissan’s decision to engage Tesla follows its rejection of Honda’s $58 billion merger proposal—a move signaling its preference for partnerships over consolidation. The Japanese automaker’s U.S. plants, while underused, represent a potential asset for scaling production. However, Musk’s recent rebuttal—“The Tesla factory IS the product”—suggests skepticism toward external infrastructure. If Tesla’s factories are designed as bespoke ecosystems, can Nissan’s facilities adapt to the unboxed paradigm?
Industry analysts speculate that Tesla might prioritize licensing its manufacturing IP over acquiring legacy plants. Yet Nissan’s board appears undeterred, betting that shared infrastructure could offset R&D costs for both parties.
Tesla’s unboxed ambition isn’t merely a manufacturing shift—it’s a strategic declaration. While competitors retrofit legacy systems, Tesla is rewriting playbooks, prioritizing vertical integration and radical simplicity. The Cybercab’s production line could set new benchmarks for speed and affordability, pressuring rivals to accelerate their own innovations.
As Nissan’s consortium prepares its pitch, the automotive world watches closely. Will Tesla’s quest for manufacturing sovereignty leave room for collaboration, or will the unboxed process remain exclusively in-house?
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