Nissan And Honda Begin Merger Talks

[ColinS]

Honda and Nissan are understood to have held exploratory talks about a potential merger to help them compete against electric vehicle (EV) makers, particularly in China.

In March, the two Japanese car makers agreed to explore a strategic partnership for EVs.

The firms responded to the BBC with identical statements, which said: "As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other's strengths."

It comes as many car brands grapple with growing competition as the industry shifts from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric, with production in China booming.

Honda and Nissan have not denied the story, which was first reported by Japanese business newspaper the Nikkei, but said it was "not something that has been announced by either company".

The discussions are understood to be in the early stages and there is no guarantee that a deal will be agreed.

"If there are any updates, we will inform our stakeholders at the appropriate time," they added.

The two companies are expected to officially confirm that they have held the talks as early as next week, according to Japanese TV channel TBS.

[Kremmen]

According to MSN, Honda are taking over Nissan and Renault are out :

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/new-car-giant-on-the-way-nissan-saved-by-competitor/ar-AA1w6b2U?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=e454a9bc2ac248308534fb9c1cc1c9c1&ei=27

[guest334]

I would stear clear of any models coming out of any merger for 3 to 5 years.
Keep your old Jazz on the road whilst private motoring is allowed in UK.

[JJazz]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy3ljvv93lo

[NoelM]

Just like the Honda and Rover merger in the 90s

[CB72]

Just like the Honda and Rover merger in the 90s

Oh yes, the Rover 600 and Honda Accord,
So, are we going to see a Nissan Jazz and a Honda Leaf
For example the Mazda2Hybrid from the Mazda/Toyoto collaboration

[Kremmen]

The car industry has problems

According to Ford there is no demand any more for EV's so no point building more.

Then we have the current gov insisting they are to bring petrol/diesel sales to a halt in 2030, sooner than the previous 2035

What a mess

I know 3 owners, not a lot I know, who bought EV and had to sell them within a year at a huge loss, due to the charging infrastructure or lack of

[ColinS]

Honda's stock went up as much as 17% when local markets opened on Tuesday, a day after it announced that it had begun discussions with Nissan. The company's shares closed 12% higher on Tuesday.

Besides the merger discussions, Honda said on Monday that it would buy back as much as 1.1 trillion yen, or about $7 billion, worth of its stock by December 2025.

Mitsubishi Motors, whose representatives were also present at Monday's announcement, said it may join the merger. Nissan is Mitsubishi's largest shareholder.

[John Ratsey]

According to Ford there is no demand any more for EV's so no point building more.

Then we have the current gov insisting they are to bring petrol/diesel sales to a halt in 2030, sooner than the previous 2035

There could be some interesting feedback from this recently-announced consultation https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7x3jgw7no.

I don't think the car industry has helped the move to EVs by targeting the more lucrative SUV EV segment rather than the smaller 2nd car segment of the market and primarily used in the urban environment. Their charging requirements are also less likely to overload the electricity distribution system (how many local distribution systems can handle a row of houses all charging their EVs?).

The government also left money on the table at the last budget by not hiking fuel duty to penalise fossil fuel use and help make the running cost of EVs look very attractive. It's a potentially effective stick as well as a way to raise some money.

[Kremmen]

I agree

If I could get a small EV that can be granny charged I'd be interested

All I need is a 80 to 100 mile range and then leave it charging

I know the Mini E is in that bracket but I've read about reliability problems

[embee]

If a lower range BEV would work for you,  and there's no reason why not if you can charge at home, you should be able to do a stunning deal  if you are "robust" at negotiating. Dealers cannot shift them,  there are hundreds (thousands?) of pre registered unused cars sitting on airfields, some 2yrs old,  and any dealer with used "older spec" cars in stock would probably almost pay you to take one away. Go for it.

[Kremmen]

In the back of my mind is that recent watering down of the £15k rule in the pipeline as per my recent thread

If the merger does go ahead then Honda/Nissan will have a UK manufacturing plant that needs protecting

[NoelM]

BBC news earlier today

[Lord Voltermore]

I  read about a week ago that the Nissan board had voted down the proposals ,or at least to delay and renegotiate.   They felt that Honda were  treating it like a Honda takeover of Nissan, rather than a joint venture.   Also some nervousness about potential Trump Tariffs.  I think it also said that the Japanese  Government is in favour of a Honda/Nissan merger or cooperation, in the national interest, and may put some  pressure on Nissan.  Its Nissan who are most at risk financially. 

I think Mitsubishi, who were also a smaller party to the plans , pulled out a few weeks ago.

[Jazzfreak]

I read today that the merger ain’t gonna happen..