Rumors of a significant merger between Honda and Nissan circulated in late 2024. Shortly after, Mitsubishi was also reported to potentially join the deal. However, discussions quickly broke down, and no agreement was reached.

Despite this, the three Japanese brands still desire collaboration and are exploring various ways to achieve it. Potential areas include: product supply for the North American market, developing electrified powertrain technology, and enhancing automotive software systems.

The Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the US is a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Photo: Nissan

In a recent financial results announcement, Honda Executive Vice President, Noriya Kaihara, confirmed they are exploring possibilities such as cross-supplying vehicle models. He emphasized that no concrete plans have been established.

Kaihara also identified software collaboration as a potential area, noting that both companies have made independent progress, and it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.

According to a report from Automotive News, Nissan CEO, Ivan Espinosa, recently reiterated this. He stated that recent discussions primarily focused on the US market and how they could collaborate in North America amid current tariff challenges. Espinosa added that all parties recognize the industry's challenges and, as Japanese companies, need to find common ground for cooperation.

Espinosa described the discussions as constructive, emphasizing that Nissan is not solely focused on Honda in the US. He stated the company remains open to collaborating with any partner that enhances business value.

For automakers, finding ways to cooperate is increasingly important. Cost sharing can alleviate the burden in an industry where new technologies demand massive investment.

However, translating intent into action has proven difficult for Honda, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. Their product portfolios and production capacities are more overlapping than complementary.

Examples of cooperation remain limited. Nissan recently received a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for sale in the US as the Rogue PHEV, filling a gap in its hybrid lineup. Under a separate revitalization plan launched in 2025, Nissan also plans to supply Mitsubishi with a Leaf electric vehicle (EV) version, though that model has not yet been released.

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