It hasn't been a month since two Japanese automakers, Honda and Nissan, officially announced their merger plans, but it appears that it's already facing a major hurdle. According to reports coming from Japan,

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

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 are weighing the creation of a joint holding company “amid the dramatic changes in the environment surrounding both companies and the automotive industry,” Honda said. Among the reasons for exploring a merger: Critically examining plants and jobs.

To hit this target, Nissan will need to rake in approximately 400 billion yen in fiscal 2026—roughly $2.6 billion at current exchange rates. That’s a tall order, especially considering Nissan’s operating profits plummeted by 90.

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

The Honda-Nissan merger would be a historic move if it happens, but French automaker Renault has already put an unexpected bump in the road.