A new automotive giant is about to be born. Honda. e NissanJapan’s second- and third-largest car companies after Toyota are reportedly in talks for a merger that would create the world’s third-largest automotive group by vehicles sold. According to some press rumours, the deal could close as soon as possible. December 23.
Honda Nissan: A new automotive company
The aim of the deal is to bring the two manufacturers together into a larger group capable of competing against Tesla and Chinese electric car manufacturers. A holding company, whose shares have yet to be defined, may also be incorporated. Mitsubishi Motors (Nissan is the main shareholder with a 24% stake).
Second Bloombergwill form a group by merging. 54 billion in capitalization With productivity 7.4 million vehicles per year (including 8.5 million Mitsubishi), reaching the numbers of Toyota and Volkswagen.
It can also be included in the integration plan. FoxconnA Taiwanese manufacturer of electrical and electronic components, which has announced its intention to acquire shares. Renault According to reports received from Nissan Nickythe head of strategy for the Taiwanese electric vehicle giant may have traveled to France for talks with Renault. An agreement that would allow the company to become part of the new group by right.
According to a Japanese newspaper NickyThe agreement between Nissan and Honda may be announced soon. December 23. The deal, if realized, would represent the biggest merger since the days of Fiat Chrysler and PSA, which joined forces in 2021. Stellar.
Competition from China
Last March, Honda and Nissan announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop electric vehicles and software technologies to improve costs and strengthen their market position. In August, Mitsubishi Motors joined the collaboration, expanding the development potential.
President of Honda, Toshihiro Maibeclarified that, at least initially, the partnership did not involve mergers or acquisitions, but left open the possibility of future evolution of the agreement.
Although the two companies achieved a combined sales volume of 2023. 7.4 million vehicles Globally, they face increasingly tough competition in the electric vehicle market. in particular, Chinese marketThat was with more than 70 percent of global electric car registrations in November. 1.27 million units sold.proved to be a particularly difficult terrain.
The appearance of China represents a threat to its competitiveness as a global leader in the manufacture of electric vehicles.Japanese automotive industrywhich takes approx. 5 percent of the workforce Although national integration can help reduce production costs, it is not enough to ensure technological leadership in the electric vehicle sector, which is characterized by rapid evolution and heavy investment in research and development.
