Nissan and Honda are tying the knot, merging two of Japan’s Big Three to form a singular massive, hulking automaker. Yet it seems that, in the marriage, Honda won’t be playing step-parent to Nissan’s kids — first the company struck Renault from the deal,

Rather than entering a complete merger, Mitsubishi could work with the other companies while staying independent.

Japan's Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan Motor, is considering not joining a planned business merger between Nissan and Honda Motor, sources told Reuters on Friday. Mitsubishi Motors plans to remain listed while continuing its cooperative relationship with both companies,

Sources revealed on Friday that Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan and Honda, is considering not joining a planned merger between the two Japanese automakers. While Mitsubishi will maintain its cooperative ties with both companies, it plans to remain independent and listed, according to insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The problem is there is no likely outcome that would leave both companies and their employees better off than they are today.

As Honda and Nissan negotiate the terms of a possible merger, we take a speculative look at what new vehicles could spawn from the unprecedented collaboration.

Honda executives recently shared insights into their rationale for the proposed merger with Nissan.During a media roundtable at CES 2025 in Las Vegas Honda stressed the urgency to address mounting competition from Chinese automakers,

The potential merger could form the world's third-largest auto group with an annual production of 7.4 million vehicles.

Despite an initial MoU involving Mitsubishi in talks of "participation, involvement, and synergy sharing" in the Honda-Nissan merger, it now appears the company wants to go solo. The report indicates Mitsubishi had considered joining the new holding company with Honda and Nissan but has now opted out.

Honda and Nissan announced merger plans in December 2024, and the process has been progressing as per schedule. The merger will also include Mitsubishi, and both companies aim to reach a definitive agreement by June 2025.