Nissan and Honda are resuming cooperation in the field of software-controlled vehicles; negotiations are focused on the joint development of an operating system for vehicles based on Nissan technologies, according to Automotive News.
These negotiations mark a return to the strategic partnership that was first announced in 2024, after a planned merger of the companies failed in early 2025 due to Honda seeking more control than Nissan was willing to accept. Both companies are under pressure to reduce development costs, increase production, and catch up with Tesla and Chinese automakers in software, electrification, and autonomous driving.
Nissan plans to build its future brand around artificial intelligence-based ProPilot systems and eventually implement its AI Drive technology in most models of its lineup. Honda, in turn, has allocated 1 trillion yen for software development and intends to expand the use of its Asimo operating system to a wide range of vehicles. The companies are still determining the scope of cooperation, and no timetable or final agreement has been announced yet. Their previous plan was to explore a joint operating system for mass production after 2027. The resumption of negotiations suggests that, despite the failure of the merger, both manufacturers still consider cooperation necessary to jointly invest, accelerate development and increase the competitiveness of the Japanese automotive industry.