honda calls nissan based body on frame suv rumors speculativeRumors suggesting Honda might borrow Nissan's truck frame to build a traditional, body-on-frame SUV or pickup are getting shut down.Following an Automotive News report indicating that the ongoing cooperation between Honda and Nissan "could yield" body-on-frame models, Honda clarifies that no such vehicles are in the pipeline."Purely Speculative" ClaimsA Honda spokesperson directly addressed the report to Road & Track, confirming that while the two Japanese automakers maintain a strategic partnership, the automaker would not be drawn on platform sharing for ladder-frame vehicles."We have an existing MOU with Nissan (announced March 2024) to explore opportunities for strategic partnership," the spokesperson said. "As Kaihara-san mentioned during the roundtable, there's nothing to announce at this point. Regarding the AutoNews claim, 'could yield BOF models' is purely speculative."The March 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Honda and Nissan focuses primarily on electric vehicle software, battery technology, and component standardization-not vehicle platforms.honda calls nissan based body on frame suv rumors speculativeWhy the Rumor Took OffNissan is actively developing next-generation ladder-frame platforms to underpin a revived Xterra and a redesigned Frontier pickup. It's believed Mitsubishi will use a version of the platform for a new pickup as well.AdvertisementAdvertisementConcurrently, Honda remains one of the few major automakers without a true body-on-frame truck or SUV in its North American lineup. Employing Nissan's existing rear-wheel-drive truck chassis would have allowed Honda to deploy a rugged 4Runner rival or a traditional body-on-frame pickup without incurring billions in standalone platform development costs. But is that really what Honda wants?Sticking to Unibody ArchitecturesHonda's refusal to jump into the body-on-frame segment means its light-truck strategy will continue relying on unibody platforms. Models like the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline will maintain their car-like crossover architecture rather than pivoting to traditional truck foundations.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletterhere.