Honda and Nissan could merge to better face Tesla and Chinese manufacturers

Japanese media report that the two firms wish to combine their resources to better cope with the electrical transformation. There is urgency. Their respective participations in this new entity will be decided later.

At the start of 2024, Honda and Nissan announced the creation of an alliance to counter Chinese manufacturers, and in particular BYD. Initially, the idea was simply to develop a common platform for future electric cars, as well as an engine. Eventually, Nikkei reports that the two manufacturers could go much further. A merger, with the creation of a new entity, is on the agenda.

Soon a new automobile giant in Japan?

Indeed, Honda and Nissan plan to operate as a separate company. A memorandum of understanding will be signed soon according to sources close to the matter. The merger should include Mitsubishi, another Japanese company in difficulty in the electric sector, already linked to Nissan. Such a deal would create a powerful brand, which would split the country’s auto industry into two camps, the other of course being Toyota.

Also readHonda Prelude: the new hybrid coupe will have a new function

In this configuration, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi would be better equipped to compete with increasingly strong firms in the electric field. It must be said that Renault’s former ally is in the red. In total, 9,000 positions will likely be eliminated at Nissan. For its part, Honda promises to revolutionize the market with the 0 Series and believes “ not to be late » on electric.

In January 2024, 12 Japanese companies announced the creation of ASRA (to Advanced SoC Research for Automotive) to counter China. An alliance between automobile manufacturers, electronic component manufacturers and even semiconductor specialists. The cream of the crop when it comes to new technologies. But so far, it has done absolutely nothing.