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Honda and Nissan are preparing to announce the launch of integration talks, marking a critical moment in the global automotive industry. The discussions, likely involving Mitsubishi Motors, aim to create the world’s third-largest auto group, taking on Tesla and fast-rising Chinese competitors.
Honda and Nissan Set to Begin Integration Talks
According to Reuters, Japanese media outlets have reported that, in an effort to stay afloat in an ever-shifting sector, Japanese manufacturers Honda and Nissan would begin company unification talks on Monday.
Reportedly, Nissan's alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors will reportedly be present at the Monday board meetings between the two carmakers, which will be followed by a joint news conference.
The largest transaction to transform the auto industry since the founding of Stellantis in 2021 would be if the three Japanese brands merged, making them the third-largest group in the world by car sales, behind only Toyota and Volkswagen.
Potential Joint Holding Company to Counter Tesla and Chinese Rivals
Reuters reported last week that in response to increasing competition from Tesla and Chinese rivals, Honda and Nissan have been considering ways to strengthen their collaboration, such as forming a joint holding company.
Following a precipitous decline in sales in its most important markets—China and the United States—Nissan revealed last month that it would be slashing 9,000 jobs and 20% of its worldwide production capacity.
According to Saturday's Kyodo News, other types of cooperation are being considered, such as Honda supplying hybrid automobiles to Nissan and the combined use of Nissan's vehicle assembly plant in Britain, Investing.com shares.
Renault's Role and Foxconn's Interest
According to insiders, Renault, the biggest shareholder of Nissan, is willing to consider a partnership and would investigate all of its potential ramifications.
Bloomberg News reported on Friday that Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn had approached Nissan over a possible bid, but it halted its interest after sending a delegation to meet with Renault in France.
