Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan Motor, is considering not joining a planned business merger between Nissan and Honda Motor, the Yomiuri online said on Friday. The report came after Nissan and Honda last year said they would begin formal talks on the merger that could potentially create the world's third-largest auto group.

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.

As Honda and Nissan negotiate the terms of a possible merger, we take a speculative look at what new vehicles could spawn from the unprecedented collaboration.

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.

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,

Honda and Nissan announced merger plans in December 2024, and the process has been progressing as per schedule. The merger will also include Mitsubishi, and both companies aim to reach a definitive agreement by June 2025.