Honda and Nissan Plan to Merge in 2026, as Talks Begin this Week

Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are hoping to finalize a merger agreement as early as June once negotiations begin later Monday, and they might join in 2026.

The two manufacturers intend to form a holding company led by a Honda-appointed president. A press briefing is scheduled for Monday afternoon following the companies' board meetings.

The presidents of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motor Corp. — Nissan's junior partner — were seen visiting and exiting Japan's transportation ministry on Monday morning, presumably to alert officials of their plans to formally begin merger discussions.

The executives did not answer to questions as they left, and Nissan and Honda representatives declined to comment.

According to a separate Yomiuri story, the plan is to combine in 2026 with the holding company serving as the listed vehicle. Nissan shares fell as much as 2.6%, extending the year-to-date drop to roughly 21%. Honda stock was trading 2.1 percent higher. It's down 14.4% since January.

An alliance between Honda and Nissan, which could also include Nissan's junior partner Mitsubishi Motors, would effectively divide Japan's automobile industry in half, pitting the trio against Toyota Motor Corp. and its partnerships with Mazda Motor Corp., Subaru Corp., and Suzuki Motor Corp.