Diverging Electrification Goals between Honda and Nissan; Accelerated Resource Integration will be the Top Priority Post-Merger
December 25, 2024 | TrendForceEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Honda and Nissan—two of Japan’s largest automakers—announced on December 23rd, 2024, that they have entered into merger negotiations, with plans to finalize an agreement by June 2025. Mitsubishi Motors is also expected to join the partnership.
TrendForce reports that if the three automakers successfully merge, the immediate priority will be resource integration to achieve cost savings through economies of scale and accelerate EV development plans.
In 2023, Honda and Nissan ranked 7th and 8th globally in vehicle sales, respectively. However, in the first three quarters of 2024, BYD surpassed Nissan to become the 8th largest automaker, closing in on Honda in 7th place.
Beyond sales competition, Honda and Nissan are facing mounting pressure from their electrification efforts. TrendForce projects that both companies will have a market share of less than 5% in the EV market (including BEVs, PHEVs, FCVs, and HEVs) in 2024. This places them at a disadvantage in BEV and PHEV markets compared to Tesla and leading Chinese automakers, while in the HEV market, both brands continue to trail behind Toyota.
TrendForce’s analysis indicates that while the merger could boost overall vehicle sales and may surpass the Hyundai-Kia Group in 2025, the short-term impact on the EV sector will likely be limited to resource integration rather than immediate sales growth. Honda aims to adapt the Adapted Electric Platform (AEP) for EV production as a transitional measure, focusing on accelerating BEV deployment in the Chinese market. The company targets achieving 100% global sales of BEVs and FCVs by 2040. Meanwhile, Nissan is prioritizing its e-POWER hybrid technology, with plans for all new vehicle models to feature either e-POWER or fully electric drivetrains by 2030.
While Mitsubishi Motors’ contribution to overall vehicle sales remains modest, Mitsubishi Group’s expertise in key EV components, such as electric motors and inverters, is invaluable. Leveraging Mitsubishi Motors' supply chain relationships may support the newly formed company's EV ambitions.
However, integrating the unique technologies and operational strengths of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors will be a complex and time-consuming process. Following the merger, one of the most pressing tasks will be to define a clear and unified electrification direction, including the expedited rollout of next-gen EV platforms.
TrendForce highlights that EVs are projected to account for approximately 25% of global new car sales in 2024. Although the growth rate of the global EV market has slowed, the overall upward trend remains intact. Global EV sales are expected to reach 26 million units by 2025, capturing nearly 30% of total new car sales. In this rapidly evolving landscape, no automaker can afford complacency in their electrification efforts.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Federal Electronics Mexico Boosts Speed and Flexibility with New Mycronic A40DX Pick-and-Place
07/23/2025 | Federal ElectronicsFederal Electronics, a leader in providing advanced electronic manufacturing services, has announced a major upgrade at its Hermosillo, Mexico facility with the installation of a Mycronic MYPro A40DX Pick-and-Place system, advancing its surface mount assembly capabilities for high-reliability electronics manufacturing.
DuPont Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report
07/22/2025 | PRNewswireDuPont published its 2025 Sustainability Report detailing the progress made toward achieving its 2030 Sustainability Goals.
NEOTech’s Westborough Facility Achieves AS9100 Surveillance Audit, Reinforcing Trust with Aerospace & Defense Customers
07/22/2025 | NEOTechNEOTech, a premier provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), integrated design engineering, and advanced supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defense, medical device, and high-tech industrial markets, proudly announces that its Westborough, Massachusetts facility has successfully completed the rigorous AS9100 Bi-Annual Surveillance Audit with zero findings, a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, security, and operational excellence.
PCBAA Wins Summit Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives
07/18/2025 | PCBAAPCBAA was one of 38 associations that earned Silver Awards for outstanding contributions for an entry titled: Chips Don’t Float: More Printed Circuit Boards Must be Made in America.
INSPECTIS AB ‘Makes it a Meal’ with Series U50s Advanced Kit
07/18/2025 | INSPECTIS ABFamous chefs the world over maintain that an entrée doesn’t make a great meal without side dishes. At INSPECTIS, we call those ‘sides’ an Advanced Kit.