Nissan began merger discussions with Honda in December 2024 after the Yokohama-based automaker's bleak financial situation became apparent at the release of its year-end reports. Since then, it's been openly looking to break ties with its nearly two-plus-decade alliance with France's Renault.

Although Mitsubishi considered joining the Honda-Nissan merger, that was old news by late January. That alliance might have been part of the problem. Although not an actual merger, the car companies involved each own stakes in the other—in Renault's case,

Less than two months after a potential merger was floated, Honda and Nissan have called the potential partnership off, forcing Nissan, which has been experiencing difficulties, to explore alternate collaborations.