Honda Nearest Resuming Nissan Merger Talks If CEO Uchida Steps Down

Honda Motor Co. is open to reviving merger talks with Nissan Motor Co., contingent on the resignation of Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, after previous negotiations collapsed over ownership disagreements. The proposed merger could create the world's fourth-largest automaker, valued at approximately $60 billion. Uchida faces pressure to step down due to disappointing management performance and significant financial losses at Nissan, including a ¥506 billion ($6.6 billion) loss in the past nine months. Honda's willingness to restart discussions reflects a shift in strategy, as it seeks a leader capable of overcoming internal resistance. Meanwhile, Nissan is undergoing significant restructuring, aiming to reduce its workforce by 9,000 and global manufacturing capacity by 20%. The evolving dynamics highlight the struggle of traditional automakers to adapt amid rising competition from Chinese manufacturers.