In December 2024, Honda and Nissan initiated discussions to merge, aiming to create a $60 billion automotive giant. However, by February 2025, these talks were officially terminated due to significant disagreements over the terms of the merger. A key point of contention was Honda’s proposal to make Nissan a subsidiary, which Nissan found unacceptable.
This development has raised concerns about Nissan’s future. The company is facing financial challenges, including declining profits and the need to cut approximately 9,000 jobs. Additionally, Nissan is considering closing several factories, including its Sunderland plant in the UK, which produces the popular Qashqai model.
In response to the failed merger, Nissan is exploring alternative partnerships. Companies like Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer, have emerged as potential collaborators. Foxconn is reportedly interested in entering the electric vehicle market and has been in discussions with other automakers, including Renault, about potential investments.
The collapse of the Honda-Nissan merger underscores the complexities and challenges faced by traditional automakers in an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting market dynamics. Both companies are now reassessing their strategies to navigate the evolving automotive landscape.