The Honda-Nissan merger has taken another unexpected turn as Nissan is reportedly shopping around for a new company to team up with. Just days ago, other reports stated that anonymous Nissan and Honda executives have grown frustrated over recent merger discussions.
While those reports and statements remain unconfirmed by both Honda and Nissan, it appears the two Japanese carmakers have been struggling to find a mutual path forward. Reuters shared that the CEO of Nissan has already informed his Honda counterpart that the merger will no longer push through.
Seemingly as a result of those irreconcilable differences, Nissan is apparently searching for a new merger partner. The same report named Taiwan-based manufacturer Foxconn as a frontrunner. Foxconn is probably best known for manufacturing the iPhone, but the company did make some noise last year as it produced its first EVs—the Foxconn Model C, D, and U.
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However, this is not the first instance that Foxconn has been linked with Nissan. It was also reported last year that Foxconn had paid a visit to Renault in the hopes of purchasing the French carmaker’s 36% stake in Nissan. Those talks ultimately fell through, and we haven’t heard from Foxconn since.
Honda allegedly requested Nissan to buy back its shares from Renault, with the aim of turning Nissan into a subsidiary instead of a partner. While those sentiments come from rumors and other reports, it seems to be one of the most prevalent struggles between the two brands.
The Honda-Nissan merger is supposed to be finalized in June later this year, as per the memorandum of understanding the duo signed just before Christmas last year. This may give Honda and Nissan a concrete timetable to settle each other’s pain points and amicably move forward, whether together or separately.
