On Tuesday in Las Vegas, during a roundtable discussion with select media, Honda executives offered some more insight into the merger, including how combining resources and factories could help the companies stay competitive in the increasingly costly fight with China.

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

Honda and Nissan’s merger risks failure due to cultural clashes and misalignment. Find out why HMC and NSANY stocks are uncertain investments.

Good morning! It’s Thursday, January 9, 2025, and this is The Morning Shift, your daily roundup of the top automotive headlines from around the world, in one place. Here are the important stories you need to know.

Honda’s CEO struggles to explain why the merger is happening, analysts remain skeptical, and Foxconn waits in the wings.

With their merger seeming increasingly inevitable, Honda and Nissan are considering more than just the benefits of cost savings on future electric products. With Trump returning t

Honda and Nissan have strong presences in major markets like North America, Europe, and Japan. However, they are struggling in China. “Both Honda and Nissan have significant overcapacity issues in China, which requires optimization before any merger talks, James Hong, an analyst at Macquarie Securities Korea Ltd., said.

Honda’s largest crossover is the Pilot, which spans 199.9 inches (5,077 mm) long and has seating for up to eight people. The Armada is considerably larger as it measures 209.6 inches (5,324 mm) long. It’s also more burly thanks to a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 developing 425 hp (317 kW / 431 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque.

Here's a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry.

Mitsubishi, which has long been allied with Nissan, will decide by the end of January 2025 whether to join the venture, potentially increasing the total merger value to $58 billion. If all parties agree to merge,