In December 2024, reports emerged that two of Japan's automotive juggernauts are looking to form a merger akin to the automotive equivalent of a 'dream team.' On Dec. 23, the leaders of Japanese automakers Nissan (NSANY) and Honda (HMC) announced that they intend to merge under a holding company in an effort to stay competitive against its rivals in a world shifting towards electric vehicle adoption.

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,

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

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.

Despite an initial MoU involving Mitsubishi in talks of "participation, involvement, and synergy sharing" in the Honda-Nissan merger, it now appears the company wants to go solo. The report indicates Mitsubishi had considered joining the new holding company with Honda and Nissan but has now opted out.

It seems like Japanese automakers are fast falling behind the EV movement, with Tesla and Volkswagen taking the lead. However, that could all change by 2025, says CNN, as Honda and Nissan

Shares in Mitsubishi plunged nearly nine percent Friday after a report said it might not join a planned merger between industry giants Honda and Nissan. Honda, and its struggling rival Nissan, agreed last month to launch talks on the tie-up, which is seen as an attempt to catch up with Chinese rivals and Tesla on electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is considering not joining the planned merger between Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. and instead focusi

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.