According to Bloomberg, which cited Nikkei, Honda and Nissan are seeking to start discussions on a potential combination that would eventually include Mitsubishi Corporation. According to Bloomberg, this deal could essentially create a rival to Toyota Motor Corp., splitting the auto industry into two groups while also providing Nissan and Honda with greater tools to compete with bigger rivals.
following the discontinuation of alliances with other international automakers, including as Honda’s with GM and Nissan’s with Renault. According to the newswire, the move toward an amalgamation comes after both businesses decided to collaborate on software and electric car batteries, during which Honda’s Mibe hinted at a potential financial partnership with Nissan.
Although neither company responded to the allegations, they both made statements separately restating their prior commitments to continue working together. Without citing sources, Nikkei stated that the two Japanese automakers intend to sign an MOU to evaluate their combined ownership holdings in a new holding company.
If the businesses combine, the combined entity will have 6.7 million units, more than GM but less than Hyundai. The Financial Times reported last month that Nissan was seeking an anchor investor to replace a portion of Renault’s equity ownership and that it had not ruled out having Honda purchase some of its shares.