日产与本田重启软件合作，聚焦智能座舱与AI驾驶

TOKYO – Following their merger announcement at the end of 2024, which was then terminated in February 2025, Nissan and Honda are quietly restarting their technological collaboration. According to sources familiar with the matter on July 28, the two Japanese automakers have agreed in principle to cooperate in the field of software-defined vehicles, jointly developing a next-generation in-vehicle operating system based on Nissan's existing technology.

This collaboration is seen as a continuation of the joint strategy established in early 2024. At that time, Nissan and Honda first publicly proposed deepening their collaboration in software-defined vehicles and electrification , and in December of the same year, this was upgraded to a merger plan. However, the negotiations ultimately broke down because Honda proposed to lead the integration, deviating from the original intention of an "equal merger." Mitsubishi Motors also withdrew from the alliance.

Although the details of the cooperation have not yet been finalized and no official timetable has been announced, both parties have confirmed that they are still exploring synergies in multiple areas, including joint product supply and technology sharing. It is worth noting that more than two years have passed since the initial framework was proposed in 2024, and a year has passed since the failed merger; substantive projects are still in the planning stages.

Industry analysts point out that this renewed collaboration reflects the urgency for Japanese automakers to fill the gaps in the wave of intelligent and electric vehicles. Faced with dual pressures from Chinese automakers and Silicon Valley tech companies, joint R&D is seen as a key path to reduce investment risks and enhance economies of scale.

According to the initial plan in early 2024, the two companies originally planned to jointly develop a light-duty vehicle operating system within a year, with the goal of achieving mass production and implementation after 2027. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa stated in April that the company will reshape the brand around the AI-driven ProPilot intelligent driving system , with the long-term goal of covering 90% of Nissan's model lineup with AI Drive technology. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe disclosed in May that the company will invest 1 trillion yen (approximately US$6.2 billion) in its medium-term plan to strengthen software capabilities based on the Asimo OS platform.

"We are exploring various possibilities. We will share updates as they become available," Nissan responded. Honda has not yet commented on the matter.