In 1993, GM had controlling interest in Isuzu and signed a deal to supply its Rodeo to become Honda’s first SUV, rebadged the Passport. The Isuzu Trooper was then rebadged to become the Acura SLX, and GM’s Japanese brand got the Honda Odyssey minivan to become the Isuzu Oasis.

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.

Rumors have it that Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry helped to influence the deal to avoid Foxconn's takeover of Nissan after METI endorsed the merger. This set off alarms for scorned ex-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn who is watching the unknown unfold from the sidelines.

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

Speculation about a potential Honda and Nissan merger began earlier this month, and the two companies confirmed the official start of talks Monday.

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to join forces, forming world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

Honda did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment. Honda CEO: Merger is not a Nissan rescue. Honda's shares had initially fallen when news first broke of the merger

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.

"Today marks a pivotal moment as we begin discussions on business integration that has the potential to shape our future,” said Nissan Director, President, CEO, and Representati

Honda will not be making it easy for Nissan, however. This is not a case of Honda paying the bills to get Nissan back up to speed, as the latter will still be responsible for digg