日经中文网·2025-07-14 03:12Core Viewpoint - Nissan and Honda are discussing collaboration to utilize Nissan's underutilized factories in the U.S. to produce vehicles for Honda, aiming to mitigate the impact of U.S. auto tariffs on Japanese automakers [1][2]. Group 1: Collaboration and Production - Nissan has begun negotiations with Honda to supply vehicles from its U.S. factories, particularly focusing on producing pickup trucks at the Canton plant in Mississippi [1][2]. - The collaboration is seen as a strategic move to increase local production and reduce the high import ratios of Japanese vehicles in the U.S., which are 47% for Nissan and 32% for Honda [2][3]. - Both companies face significant profit declines due to U.S. auto tariffs, with Honda projected to lose 650 billion yen and Nissan up to 450 billion yen in the fiscal year ending March 2026 [2]. Group 2: Market Conditions and Challenges - The Canton plant's utilization rate is projected to be only 57% in 2024, significantly below the breakeven point of around 80%, indicating a need for increased production to improve profitability [3]. - The U.S. government's strong stance on tariffs, including a 25% tariff set to take effect in April, adds pressure on Japanese automakers to enhance local production [3]. Group 3: Negotiation Dynamics - Previous discussions aimed at forming a global automotive alliance between Nissan and Honda collapsed due to disagreements, but both companies are now focusing on cooperation to rebuild their relationship [4]. - Following a management change at Nissan in April, regular discussions between the executives of both companies have resumed, although they have denied immediate plans to restart formal merger talks [4].