Honda and Nissan are nearing an agreement to jointly develop a shared operating system and onboard computer for new vehicles, aiming to reduce costs and improve development efficiency as the industry shifts towards software-defined vehicles.
This partnership signifies a strategic shift for Honda and Nissan to pool resources and expertise in critical software development, a key battleground for future automotive competitiveness, potentially impacting development costs and the pace of innovation in autonomous and connected driving technologies.
Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly close to an agreement to jointly develop a shared operating system and onboard computer for their next-generation vehicles. This collaboration, expected as soon as Monday, aims to enhance development efficiency and cut costs as the automotive industry increasingly focuses on software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
The two Japanese automakers, who previously explored a full merger that ultimately collapsed in early 2025, have continued to examine cooperation on specific projects. The new operating system (OS) will reportedly be based on Nissan's existing technology, with functionality such as autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to be added or improved through software updates.
Software and electronic hardware are becoming a larger portion of vehicle costs, making standardization crucial amid intensifying global competition. The companies had previously announced in 2024 that they would explore collaboration in areas including SDVs, batteries, and vehicle supply. A formal agreement on the OS and electronic hardware, including electronic control units (ECUs), is anticipated next month, with the first vehicles featuring the new system potentially rolling out as early as 2029.
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