Honda and Nissan Close to Collaboration Despite Unsuccessful Merger: TDS
The Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype was unveiled in May.
Welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, a news summary from The Drive that compiles the most significant automotive stories worldwide.
The Downshift condenses reports into a few sentences and provides links for those interested in further details. Happy first day of July! Here’s what’s happening this Wednesday morning.
🔊 The newest episode of The Drivecast, The Drive’s weekly podcast, will be available today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms where you get your podcasts.
🤝 Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe stated that the collaboration with Nissan is "quite far along, with some elements nearing an announcement." Following the failed merger in 2024/2025, the two companies, along with Mitsubishi, are working together in a more limited manner and aiming to standardize electronic control units. If the agreement Mibe refers to is officially finalized, the first vehicles utilizing these shared components are expected to launch as early as 2029. [Nikkei]
📈 Hyundai and Kia experienced a robust June in the U.S., driven by a surge in hybrid sales, with Hyundai reporting a 74% increase and Kia seeing an impressive 187% rise. [Automotive News]
🌍 Addressing Volkswagen’s upcoming layoffs, BYD’s European advisor, Alfredo Altavilla, remarked, “It’s the first genuine wake-up call for the European industry.” BYD is currently seeking to establish a second manufacturing facility in Europe, following its site in Hungary. [Automotive News]
🚙 Ford is issuing a recall for 36,046 Bronco Raptors due to loose fender flares that may come off while driving. [Autoblog]
🙅 BMW’s Sylvia Neuebauer suggests that enthusiasts should try the upcoming electric M3 before dismissing it, stating, “I find it hard to understand the critics because, to judge something, you should first experience it and then decide if you like it. Test drive the car, and then they can determine their preference, and if they don’t like it, they can still opt for the combustion-engine vehicles.” [BMW Blog]
😈 The Dodge Charger doesn’t currently feature a V8, but it's introducing a new color named Purple Haze, which appears closer to indigo. [Stellantis]
🐂 Lamborghini has launched the most extreme version of the Urus yet, the Urus SE Performante, boasting an increased output of 800 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, as well as the Temerario’s 6D drive computer for enhanced dynamics. [Autocar]
🍀 A young, niche firm named SGT Automobili has revealed the 5S-SGT, which appears to be an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio reconfigured to resemble the classic 155 V6 TI DTM, featuring weight reductions, an enhanced chassis, and up to 740 horsepower. [Autocar]
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Honda and Nissan Close to Collaboration Despite Unsuccessful Merger: TDS
Nissan hesitated when it became aware that Honda had intentions to acquire it years ago. However, the two companies moved past that and are now on the verge of forming a technology partnership.