The proposed deal aims to unify operations under a joint holding company, led by Honda, while maintaining the distinct identities of each brand, according to Honda's president, Toshihiro Mibe. If finalized, the merger would position the combined entity to better compete with market leaders Toyota and Volkswagen.

The merger talks come amid competition from China in the auto industry and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.

Auto giants Honda and Nissan announced that they're going to begin talks about a merger, bringing the Japanese automakers under a single umbrella.

Honda and Nissan are reportedly in talks to merge to better compete with other automakers such as Tesla and Toyota in electronic vehicle development.

Japan's Honda and Nissan said Monday they had embarked on formal merger talks that would create the third-largest car manufacturer globally with sales of as much as $191.4 billion and more than $19 billion profit.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans for a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry that's in flux as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels.

Facing extreme competitive pressure from the rise of Chinese EV makers, the Nos. 2 and 3 Japanese automakers turn to each other to build strength.

Honda and Nissan have started talks toward a potential merger, they said on Monday, a historic pivot for Japan's auto industry that underlines the threat Chinese EV makers now pose to some of the world's best known car makers.

Under the proposed plan, Mitsubishi has until the end of January 2025 to decide whether or not to be part of the cooperation between Nissan and Honda. Given Mitsubishi’s close ties to Nissan, it could also gain technological and pricing advantages by joining this alliance.