A report out of Japan claims that Honda has reached an agreement with Mitsubishi to sell a rebadged version of the Triton ladder-frame bakkie. Here’s what we know…
- Honda to rebadge Triton?
- Tipped for release in 2028
- Thailand production likely
Honda has reportedly reached an agreement with fellow Japanese automaker Mitsubishi to sell a rebadged version of the Triton ladder-frame bakkie.
According to Japanese daily newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, the 2 companies have hammered out a deal that will see Honda start selling a rebadged Triton in Southeast Asian markets from around 2028.
While Honda already manufactures the Ridgeline pick-up in Alabama, that left-hand-drive model – which is slated to enter its 3rd generation towards the middle of 2028 – features a unibody construction (and is exclusive to North America). In contrast, the Triton features a body-on-frame configuration and is available in right-hand drive, too.
Of course, the current-generation Triton – which was unveiled globally in 2023 – also forms the basis for the D27-series Navara that is sold in Australia and New Zealand (while the D23-series bakkie soldiers on in other markets, including South Africa).
The Yomiuri Shimbun report says adding a Honda-badged iteration – alongside the Triton and the aforementioned Nissan-badged version – to Mitsubishi’s Laem Chabang production line would help to boost the Thailand factory’s output, effectively lowering costs through economies of scale.
Should this report prove to be accurate, right-hand-drive production of the rumoured Honda-badged bakkie – which would surely employ a version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine – would seem very likely, particularly with Thailand being at the centre of the story.
And that would theoretically open the door for Honda Motor Southern Africa to finally enter the bakkie market. Of course, whether local bakkie buyers would accept a Triton wearing a Honda badge – what with the Triton itself proving to be one of the segment’s slower sellers – remains to be seen…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Honda planning to launch a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton bakkie?
A: According to reports out of Japan, Honda has reached an agreement with Mitsubishi to sell a rebadged version of the Triton ladder-frame bakkie, primarily targeted at Southeast Asian markets from around 2028.
Q: Where will the rumoured Honda-badged Triton bakkie be produced?
A: Production would seemingly take place alongside the Triton and D27-series Nissan Navara at Mitsubishi’s Laem Chabang plant in Thailand, which produces right-hand-drive vehicles.
Q: Could the Honda bakkie come to South Africa?
A: While certainly not official, Thailand production in right-hand drive would theoretically open the door for Honda Motor Southern Africa to enter the local bakkie segment.
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Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
