Honda and Nissan Merger Could See Mitsubishi Accelerating Electric Car Plans

• Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors are discussing a potential merger involving a joint holding company.
• Mitsubishi Motors will decide on its role in the integration by January 2025.
• The merger will combine strengths in electric vehicles and intelligent mobility solutions.

Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors are discussing a potential collaboration that could change their approach to future operations. The three companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to evaluate Mitsubishi Motors’ role in a business integration originally proposed by Honda and Nissan earlier this year. This proposed integration focuses on combining their strengths in electric cars and smart mobility, with Mitsubishi Motors expected to finalize its decision by January 2025.

Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan, explained the opportunity, “Honda and Nissan have begun considering a business integration and will study the creation of synergies between the two companies in a wide range of fields. It is significant that Nissan’s partner, Mitsubishi Motors, is also involved in these discussions. We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base.”

The initial agreement between Honda and Nissan, signed in August 2023, proposed forming a joint holding company to unite their efforts in facing challenges like the transition to electric vehicles and the development of intelligent mobility solutions.

Now, Mitsubishi Motors is participating in the talks, considering how it could contribute to and benefit from the Honda and Nissan merger plans.

Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, described the collaboration as a way to amplify the companies’ strengths, “In an era of change in the automotive industry, the study between Nissan and Honda about a business integration will accelerate synergy maximization effects, bringing high value also to the collaborative businesses with Mitsubishi Motors. In order to realize synergies and to make the best use of each company’s strengths, we will also study the best form of cooperation.”

These Honda and Nissan merger talks come during a critical time for the automotive industry. As Toshihiro Mibe, CEO of Honda, commented, “At this time of change in the automobile industry, which is said to occur once every 100 years, we hope that Mitsubishi Motors’ participation in the business integration discussions of Nissan and Honda will lead to further social change, and that we will be able to become a leading company in creating new value in mobility through business integration.”

If the Nissan merger with Honda and Mitsubishi Motors moves forward, the collaboration could drive advancements in battery technology, autonomous driving systems, renewable energy integration, sustainable vehicle solutions, and global EV infrastructure. The three companies would combine Honda’s expertise in hybrid systems, Nissan’s leadership in EV technology, and Mitsubishi’s reputation for efficient engineering.

Challenges remain in bringing these plans to fruition. Aligning corporate strategies, unifying operational goals, and preserving each company’s unique identity will require careful coordination. Despite this, the companies remain hopeful that the discussions will result in a framework that effectively combines their strengths.

For now, Mitsubishi Motors plans to reach a decision by January 2025 regarding its role in the Honda and Nissan merger framework. As the talks progress, industry analysts and customers alike are watching closely to see how this potential partnership could influence the future of mobility and sustainability.

IMAGES: HONDA, NISSAN, MITSUBISHI

FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.