Nissan and Honda's move comes as the global automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles due to growing concerns about emissions and climate change. Both companies have been lagging behind their competitors, with Nissan halting production of its all-electric Leaf and Honda's battery-powered vehicles making up less than 0.5% of its global sales. The partnership will not affect Nissan's existing alliances with Mitsubishi and Renault.
Key takeaways:
- Japan's second and third largest carmakers, Nissan and Honda, have announced a partnership to develop electric vehicles and AI tech for automotive software platforms.
- The partnership is a response to strong competition from other manufacturers like BYD and Tesla, and will explore potential areas for collaboration in electrification and intelligent cars.
- The agreement is non-binding and discussions will start immediately, with both companies open to working together in Japan and abroad.
- Nissan already has business alliances with Mitsubishi and Renault, which will not be affected by a possible alliance with Honda.