Tokyo: Japan auto tech cooperation deepened as Honda Motor and Nissan Motor moved toward a deal to jointly develop electronic control units for next-generation software-defined vehicles.
The Asahi Shimbun reported that the companies were in the final stages of talks. The shared electronic control units could appear in Honda and Nissan vehicles as early as 2029. Mitsubishi Motors, a Nissan affiliate, may also adopt the technology.
Electronic control units manage key vehicle systems and increasingly shape performance, safety and digital functions in software-defined vehicles.
The companies are also discussing shared vehicle operating software. The move could cut development costs and shorten the time needed to launch new models.
The cooperation follows earlier Honda-Nissan merger talks that collapsed. Nissan rejected a proposal to become a Honda subsidiary.
Honda and Nissan had already announced a 2024 cooperation on software-defined vehicles, batteries and other advanced technologies.
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Japanese automakers face rising pressure from Chinese and U.S. rivals in electric vehicles, connected cars and software-led vehicle development.
Industry analysts said the latest initiative could lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration in automotive software.
