The two Japanese automakers said the deal had been terminated to prioritize “management measures in an increasingly volatile market environment heading into the era of electrification.”
The merger plans were signed in December, but discussions reportedly soured in the past few weeks. Today’s announcement suggests the issues centered around disputes over how the new company should be structured.
The merger deal that was set to create the third-largest global automaker is now in jeopardy, with dealings between the two companies complicated by their “growing differences” according to Reuters.
While Nikkei Asia reports that Nissan has suspended the merger talks, an unidentified Honda spokesperson told Reuters that it hadn’t heard anything from Nissan about withdrawing from the agreement and that a final decision is expected to be reached by mid-February.
[reuters.com]
I’m not saying I want to buy one. I’m just very curious to see where this is going.
The vehicles will be underpinned by a new in-house-developed operating system named after Honda’s iconic Asimo robot.
On deck: updates about how to pre-order Afeela, the electric vehicle Sony is making with Honda.
Honda says its new electric platform is an antidote to oversized, overweight EVs. We test drove a prototype in Japan to see how that’s developing.
This wedge-shaped 1984 Honda HP-X concept used innovative materials for the time, like carbon fiber, Kevlar, and honeycomb paneling. It had all the right ideas and adorably looked like it ran on D-sized batteries.
Unfortunately, this mid-engine didn’t receive the EV restomod treatment. But don’t worry; Honda might still build upon the wedge design for future EVs.
Honda’s cute little Japan-only N-VAN is going electric and comes in versions like “FUN” for personal use and “G” which gives you a seat and a blank canvas for commercial use. It’s got 152 miles of range with support for 50kW DC fast charging, perfect for city driving. It could very well be made into a cool camper, too.
A driver’s insurance rate went up based on a 130-page report detailing his Chevy Bolt’s drives over six months, shared by GM with data broker LexisNexis through the OnStar Smart Driver program, reports The New York Times.
According to the Times, Kia, Subaru, and Mitsubishi also contribute to the LexisNexis data portal, while another company, Verisk partners with Ford, Honda, and Hyundai. Subaru says it only shares odometer data when authorized, while Ford says it will share data for usage-based programs based on a customer’s in-car menu confirmation.
Update March 12th, 2024, 2:42PM ET: Added details on the partnerships and what data is shared.
The new long-range EV from Honda comes with some Chevy Blazer DNA, but don’t hold that against it.
The site’s teardown showed the company’s engineers “spared at least some thought” to making it something you can fix yourself, ultimately giving it a middling score.
One thing is for sure: it is a suitcase-shaped electric scooter.
The Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo saw the debut of five different electrified sports cars, ranging from production-intent coupes to outrageous concept supercars.
