Nissan Motor is reportedly in discussions to supply vehicles to Honda Motor in the United States, according to a report from Nikkei on Friday. The talks include the possibility of using Nissan’s under-utilised Canton plant in Mississippi to manufacture Honda’s pickup trucks.
Nissan May Produce Honda Pickup Trucks at Mississippi Plant
The Nikkei report suggests that Nissan is considering building Honda pickup trucks at its Mississippi facility, where models such as the Nissan Frontier are currently produced.
The Canton plant has faced under-utilisation challenges in recent years, prompting Nissan to explore new partnerships to maximise its production capacity.
Why Nissan and Honda Are Exploring Collaboration
The reported discussions between Nissan and Honda come as both automakers face several external pressures:
- Increased competition from Chinese automakers in global markets
- Ongoing U.S.–Japan trade negotiations over automotive tariffs
These factors are driving Japanese car manufacturers to seek new strategic collaborations and production efficiencies.
Past Alliance Talks Between Nissan and Honda
Earlier in 2025, Nissan and Honda reportedly held talks about forming a management integration, which would have created the world’s third-largest automotive alliance. However, those discussions ultimately did not result in an agreement.
No Official Comments Yet from Nissan or Honda
As of now, neither company has confirmed the reported collaboration. A Nissan spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours, and Honda officials were also unavailable for comment.
What This Could Mean for the U.S. Auto Market
If finalised, the partnership would mark a rare collaboration between two major Japanese automakers in the U.S. market. It could help both Nissan and Honda:
- Reduce manufacturing costs
- Optimise plant utilisation
- Strengthen their position against global competition
Nissan-Honda Talks Reflect Changing Auto Industry Dynamics
While no official agreement has been reached, the reported talks between Nissan and Honda highlight how automakers are adapting to evolving market challenges. With rising global competition and shifting trade policies, collaborations like this may become increasingly common.
