Nissan and Honda are tying the knot, merging two of Japan’s Big Three to form a singular massive, hulking automaker. Yet it seems that, in the marriage, Honda won’t be playing step-parent to Nissan’s kids — first the company struck Renault from the deal,

Rather than entering a complete merger, Mitsubishi could work with the other companies while staying independent.

Japan's Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan Motor, is considering not joining a planned business merger between Nissan and Honda Motor, sources told Reuters on Friday. Mitsubishi Motors plans to remain listed while continuing its cooperative relationship with both companies,

Sources revealed on Friday that Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan and Honda, is considering not joining a planned merger between the two Japanese automakers. While Mitsubishi will maintain its cooperative ties with both companies, it plans to remain independent and listed, according to insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The problem is there is no likely outcome that would leave both companies and their employees better off than they are today.

Honda executives recently shared insights into their rationale for the proposed merger with Nissan.During a media roundtable at CES 2025 in Las Vegas Honda stressed the urgency to address mounting competition from Chinese automakers,

The mooted Honda Nissan merger and the fallout from leadership change at Stellantis suggests the auto industry must brace for turmoil, where size is a survival necessity.

Presidents of Nissan Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. -- Makoto Uchida, Toshihiro Mibe and Takao Kato -- pose for photos after attending a joint press conference in Tokyo on Dec.