Nissan and Honda have announced plans to merge by 2026 in a seismic shift for the Japanese auto industry. The two carmakers signed a memorandum of understanding that allows them to continue discussions about integration via a joint holding company,

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.

The proposed deal aims to unify operations under a joint holding company, led by Honda, while maintaining the distinct identities of each brand, according to Honda's president, Toshihiro Mibe. If finalized, the merger would position the combined entity to better compete with market leaders Toyota and Volkswagen.

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.

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.

The potential merger could help boost the auto companies production of electric vehicles amid growing changes in the car industry.

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

Nissan will be the victim of cost-cutting “carnage” if it combines forces with Japanese peer Honda, former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told CNBC on Tuesday.

SIGN UP for TheStreet’s FREE Daily newsletter 💰💸 While his tenure also brought about landmark products like the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Nissan GT-R supercar; his tenure with the automaker,

Ghosn believes that Honda will be "in the driver's seat" and any cost cutting measures will heavily impact the much weaker Nissan

Honda and Nissan are in talks over a merger as the auto industry sees two seismic changes. And, Russia violently attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.