Nissan and Honda to Announce Decision on Potential Merger by Mid-February

Nissan Motor has revised its timeline for determining the course of its potential integration with Honda Motor, now expecting to make an announcement by mid-February rather than the initially planned end of January. A company spokesperson confirmed the delay, citing continued discussions between both automakers.

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The two leading Japanese car manufacturers have been exploring a potential merger, which, if finalized, would be one of the most significant shifts in Japan’s automotive industry. The discussions come amid increasing competition from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies, which have been gaining market share and challenging long-established global automakers.

“The original plan was to finalize the direction of the integration by the end of January, but discussions within the Integration Preparatory Committee are still in progress,” the spokesperson stated.

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In a previous announcement made in December, Nissan and Honda revealed plans to conclude their discussions by June 2024. The proposed integration framework includes forming a joint holding company by August 2026, at which point both companies' shares would be delisted.

Nissan’s long-term partner, Renault, has expressed support for the potential merger. The French automaker, which holds a 36% stake in Nissan—18.7% of which is managed through a French trust—has indicated that it is open to the consolidation efforts.

Meanwhile, sources have suggested that Mitsubishi Motors, a smaller alliance partner, may choose not to participate in the proposed integration. The company has yet to make a final decision on its involvement in the restructuring.

With discussions ongoing, industry experts are closely watching how the potential merger could reshape Japan’s automotive landscape and influence the global EV market.

Also Read: Nissan and Honda in Talks for Merger to Compete with Toyota