Two of Japan’s biggest automakers, Honda and Nissan, have begun merger talks, according to a report in Japan’s financial Nikkei Asia newspaper.
The two Japanese-headquartered automakers are looking to join forces as a way to contend in an ever-challenging industry increasingly focused on electric vehicles.
Both companies responded to a question about the report from USA TODAY with identical statements, which did not deny merger talks were underway.
“The content of the report is not something that has been announced by either companies,” the statements read.
“As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths. If there are any updates, we will inform our stakeholders at the appropriate time.”
Honda and Nissan have recently increased ties to persist in an EV marketplace fueled by competition from Tesla and Chinese automakers – and stalling demand in the U.S. and Europe.
The companies announced in August they were “deepening the framework of the strategic partnership” agreed on in March 2024 to collaborate on research and development – and investments – in new EVs and the software used by next-generation vehicles.
“Going forward, Nissan and Honda will continue to study ways to create further synergies between the two companies and work toward the speedy implementation of specific measures,”
