The two couldn't come to any agreement, so they called the whole project off, but decided they'd still be seeing each other. They said they may collaborate on some projects, and this month, we're finally getting an idea what those projects may focus on: the hardware and software running their cars.
Honda And Nissan Infotainment May Start Looking Similar
The latest product project the two companies are reportedly taking on is software. This was reported by Japanese news outlet Jiji, and the outlet specifically noted that the software would have to do with the operating system for the cars, narrowing down the older reports that just generally mentioned software. Automotive News spoke with an anonymous source who added that Nissan's software is being used as the basis for the new system. The source didn't give a time for any public announcement.
We wouldn't be surprised if an announcement comes soon, though. A few weeks ago, Honda's CEO publicly revealed that the two companies have been collaborating and will share the results of their work in the near future. He didn't say anything about software, but he did say that the two companies were working on creating shared ECUs. Additionally, as Mitsubishi has an existing relationship with Nissan, it would also be able to use the co-developed technology.
It does make some sense that if the two were already collaborating on electronic hardware, they would be co-developing the software that runs on it. The shared hardware is supposed to show up as soon as 2029. That could mean one of the first vehicles the shared systems appear in is the next fully-redesigned Honda Accord, due for 2030.
Beyond just computers, the two are supposedly working on electrified vehicle development, too. In particular, the two announced plans to develop and share battery technology. The fruits of that collaboration could appear sometime after 2028.
The Companies Each Have Their Own Issues To Work On
When Honda and Nissan started discussing a merger, it seemed as though Honda was much healthier than Nissan. Nissan was publicly facing rising costs and declining profits and sales. Since the talks ended, though, it has become clear that Honda isn't as strong as we thought. The company recently pulled the plug on its EV program that would've resulted in a new SUV and some kind of sedan. Part of why it did this was due to huge costs that led to the company's first ever financial loss.
Related News
