- Honda and Nissan have reportedly begun merger talks, potentially reshaping the Japanese auto industry.
- Details are limited, but the two brands may combine under a single holding company which could also include Mitsubishi.
- Reports suggest the deal could be finalized as early as next month, pending talks.
Earlier this month, there were reports that Honda was considering taking a stake in Nissan. Fast forward to today, and it seems a full-blown merger could be on the table.
That’s according to Nikkei, which said the two companies have begun merger talks. However, Reuters noted the automakers didn’t confirm or deny this as they released statements saying their previously announced partnership means they’re “exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths.” The companies went on to say that shareholders would be informed of any updates.
More: Mitsubishi, Nissan, And Honda Officially Join Forces
This suggests something could be in the works as neither company issued a flat-out denial. Quite the opposite as they implied news could be coming in the future. This was echoed in earlier reporting, which indicated Honda could take a stake in Nissan as early as next month.
While only time will tell what happens, Nikkei said the two firms are considering operating under a single holding company, which may also include Mitsubishi. If this pans out, the merger could be the largest since the one that created Stellantis.
Assuming the merger goes through, the new ‘company’ could consist of Acura and Honda as well as Nissan, Infiniti, and Mitsubishi. It would also be interesting to see how the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance factors into this, but that’s anyone’s guess at this point.
That being said, the reported talks come at an interesting time as Nissan is struggling in multiple markets. As we’ve previously reported, Nissan’s U.S. sales have fallen 26.3% in the past decade while Infiniti sales have plummeted nearly 45%. The company is also struggling in China, which is a common theme for many foreign brands nowadays.
