Honda and Nissan to create world's third biggest carmaker
Dec 23, 2024
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A major merger between Honda and Nissan could create the world's third-biggest carmaker by 2026, focusing on electrification and software. Former Nissan executive Andy Palmer shares insights into this strategic move, especially given Nissan's struggles in the electric vehicle sector. Additionally, discussions shift to US President-elect Trump's criticism of Panama Canal tolls, raising questions about international trade dynamics. Lastly, the podcast touches on national security concerns related to semiconductors amid US-China tensions and the evolving landscape of holiday retail trends.
Honda and Nissan's potential merger aims to create the world's third-largest carmaker, enhancing competitiveness in the electric vehicle market.
Concerns about cultural differences and strategic alignment complicate the merger's prospects amidst challenges in electrification and market competition.
Deep dives
Merger Talks Between Honda and Nissan
Honda and Nissan are exploring a potential merger that may also involve Mitsubishi, which could position them as the third largest automaker globally. This merger aims to bolster their competitiveness in the electric vehicle (EV) market and enhance software integration amidst declining profits and significant job cuts at Nissan. Honda's CEO clarified that the partnership's intention is not to rescue Nissan but to ensure both companies are self-sufficient before pursuing a common objective. There are concerns about the cultural differences between Honda's innovative approach and Nissan's bureaucratic nature, which may complicate the merger's implementation.
Challenges in the EV Industry
Nissan, once a leader in the EV sector with its Leaf model, has struggled to maintain its foothold due to halted investments in electrification and competition from other manufacturers. Andy Palmer highlighted that despite past successes, Nissan's market share has dwindled, particularly in the US and China. Meanwhile, Honda has been slow to enter the EV market, favoring hydrogen technology instead, creating doubts about whether the merger will effectively address both companies' shortcomings in electrification. Both firms face significant hurdles in synchronizing their strategies and overcoming the market shift towards electric vehicles.
Norway's Electric Vehicle Adoption
Norway has emerged as a leader in electric vehicle adoption, with more electric cars on its roads than petrol vehicles, thanks to strong government incentives and policies. In November, a remarkable 94% of new car sales were electric, driven by generous tax breaks, free parking, and access to bus lanes, making EVs an economically viable option for many consumers. Norway aims to completely phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2025, showing confidence in achieving this ambitious goal. However, while the transition has had significant success, there remain challenges with the existing diesel vehicle market and potential impacts on tax revenue for the government.
Sam Fenwick hears from former chief operating officer & long-time executive at Nissan Andy Palmer, as Honda and Nissan announce a plan to merge. It would mean the new, world's third-biggest carmaker, which could also include Mitsubishi, could be in operation by August 2026.
Plus US President-elect Donald Trump has said the fees charged to use the Panama Canal are “ridiculous” and that it should be handed back to the US unless the “rip-off” stops. We ask if those fees have risen and whether Mr. Trump's words are an empty threat.
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