The instrument cluster in a 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport. The two automakers conducted extensive studies on potential collaboration in the vehicle software domain, which led to the agreement.This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter.Dive Brief:Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. have entered into an agreement to jointly develop standardized multiple vehicle electronic control units for next-generation software-defined vehicles, which includes an in-vehicle operating system and key parts of middleware and vehicle control software, Honda announced in a press release.The electrical/electronic architecture and jointly developed ECUs and software are planned for the companies' next-generation SDVs in fiscal year 2029 and beyond.The agreement also includes future Nissan and Honda collaboration oppourtunities across a range of areas, including the software domain of SDVs, which Honda says is key for vehicle intelligence and electrification.Dive Insight:AdvertisementAdvertisementHonda and Nissan aim to strengthen their competitiveness through faster development cycles and more efficient investments. The two automakers conducted extensive studies on potential collaboration in the vehicle software domain, which led to the agreement, according to the release.As part of the agreement, the companies will work to establish common specifications for multi-core vehicle ECUs within the E/E architectures, including an in-vehicle operating system and core parts of the middleware and control software.By standardizing these core vehicle sub-systems, the companies aim to leverage their combined engineering expertise and development resources to accelerate innovation, boost competitiveness and reduce vehicle development costs through economies of scale.The plans for a strategic collaboration were first announced in March 2024, when Honda and Nissan signed a memorandum of understanding to explore whether the companies should jointly develop electric vehicles, automotive software and AI. Then in August 2024, The two automakers announced a joint research agreement to develop a platform and related technologies for next-generation SDVs. AdvertisementAdvertisementIn December 2024 those talks progressed, and Honda and Nissan signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a potential merger that would have also included Mitsubishi. At the time, Honda had proposed a stock swap which would have made Nissan a wholly-owned subsidiary. The two automakers also floated a plan to form a joint holding company in which Honda would nominate directors and the president.However, in February of 2025, Honda and Nissan officially canceled all merger plans, but agreed to work together on a strategic partnership that includes AI and electric vehicles, which eventually led to the joint development agreement announced today.Broadly, the Nissan-Honda tie-up fits alongside a number of other collaborations on the development of advanced SDV platforms with high-performance compute and AI capabilities. In May, Stellantis unveiled its new STLA One standardized vehicle platform that the automaker plans to utilize for over 30 models totaling 2 million units by 2035, with development help coming from industry partners, including Qualcomm Technologies and Applied Intuition.Nissan in April unveiled its new long‑term strategic vision dubbed "Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life," with a focus on launching AI-defined vehicles with new electrified powertrains along with a reduced product portfolio.Recommended ReadingHonda, Nissan officially end merger talks',
