A month in the past, Honda and Nissan signed a memorandum of understanding to discover a possible mega-merger that may create a single new holding firm. Though the joint press launch did not embrace Mitsubishi, a separate doc launched the identical day talked about a second MoU signed by all three Japanese manufacturers. Mitsu mentioned it will discover its “participation, involvement, and synergy sharing” regarding the potential Honda-Nissan merger.
Nevertheless, Automotive Information now cites Japanese newspaper Yomiuri alleging Mitsubishi has determined to choose out of a merger that may create one of many largest automotive corporations within the trade. In response to the report, Mitsubishi had thought of becoming a member of Honda and Nissan within the newly shaped holding firm, but it surely apparently determined to proceed to trip solo. Consequently, it seems that Mitsubishi prefers to stay impartial.
Mitsubishi has since issued a press release. It neither confirmed nor denied the report, solely saying it is nonetheless evaluating choices. The company scenario is considerably difficult, contemplating Nissan is the biggest shareholder, with a 24% share in Mitsubishi. Then there’s Renault, which holds a 15% share in Nissan, and vice versa. Nevertheless, Bloomberg reviews that Honda does not need Renault to be concerned within the merger. When the Honda-Nissan joint announcement was made on December 23, 2024, Renault solely mentioned that it will “think about all choices based mostly on the perfect curiosity of the Group and its stakeholders.”
Early subsequent month, Mitsubishi is predicted to disclose its determination about the way it stands concerning the Honda-Nissan merger, whether or not it is in or out. The essential announcement could possibly be made on February 3 throughout a presentation on its fiscal third-quarter earnings. Even when Mitsubishi decides to proceed as an impartial automaker, the upcoming Honda-Nissan holding firm might nonetheless personal a stake, given the preexisting relationship between Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Former Nissan and Renault supremo Carlos Ghosn, identified for talking his thoughts, declared in August 2024 that Honda needs to hold out a “disguised takeover” of Nissan and Mitsubishi. He argued that since Honda is bigger than the opposite two home manufacturers, it places the corporate within the “driver’s seat” to take management.
What about Toyota? Chairman Akio Toyoda mentioned the world’s best-selling automaker was by no means concerned within the merger talks. As a result of anti-monopoly legal guidelines, the previous CEO mentioned a fair bigger merger would not have been attainable anyway. Contemplating Toyota’s 20% stake in Subaru, 5% in Mazda, and one other 5% share in Suzuki, that may’ve been a company nightmare to handle, particularly since Toyota additionally absolutely owns Daihatsu.
Supply:
Yomiuri by way of Automotive Information
