{
  "id": 4771382,
  "title": "Honda and Nissan to jointly develop components for software-defined vehicles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/honda-and-nissan-to-jointly-develop-components-for-software-defined",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-01T02:49:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/09/01/companies/honda-nissan-joint-development/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Honda Motor and Nissan Motor have announced a joint venture to develop and standardize operating systems and other crucial components for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The agreement is set to come into effect in fiscal 2029, as both companies aim to share the high costs associated with developing these advanced vehicles. The initiative is also aimed at competing with U.S. electric vehicle leader Tesla and Chinese rivals.\n\nThe partnership was formed 18 months after Honda and Nissan's business integration talks stalled in February 2025. The worsening business environment, driven by increased competition and hefty U.S. tariffs, has prompted the companies to collaborate more closely. Mitsubishi Motors, a company in which Nissan holds a stake, is expected to join the SDV-related partnership.\n\nSoftware-defined vehicles allow users to add functions and services through software updates, similar to smartphone apps. This model also enables automakers to generate ongoing service revenues. In addition to the operating systems, Honda and Nissan will jointly develop and standardize components such as electronic control units responsible for various vehicle functions, including braking. Standardizing these core components and increasing their usage across vehicles will streamline investments, lower procurement costs, and provide more comprehensive driving data.\n\nBoth companies plan to leverage their respective technological expertise and personnel to maximize development resources and efficiency. While Honda and Nissan will pursue their own autonomous driving and driver-assistance technologies, including in-car entertainment, they are expected to consider further collaboration in the future, such as vehicle supplies for the North American market. In fiscal 2025, Honda reported a significant group net loss while Nissan struggled with sales slump, incurring losses for two consecutive years.",
  "summary": "The move is aimed at splitting huge development costs and countering U.S. electric vehicle giant Tesla and Chinese competitors that lead the field.",
  "key_points": [
    "Honda and Nissan form joint venture for SDV components.",
    "Aim to standardize operating systems and electronic control units.",
    "Partnership includes Mitsubishi Motors and potential future collaborations."
  ],
  "editors_take": "By jointly developing components for software-defined vehicles, Honda and Nissan aim to cut costs, boost efficiency, and better compete with industry leaders Tesla and Chinese rivals.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}