In a Japan Times report dated 21 December 2024, Carlos Ghosn criticized recent merger discussions between Nissan and Honda, arguing they stem from panic rather than strategic planning.
Ghosn stated:
“It’s a desperate move… It’s not a pragmatic deal because frankly, the synergies between the two companies are difficult to find.”
He further explained:
“They’re trying to figure out something that could marry the short‑term problems of Nissan and the long‑term vision of Honda.”
Key insights from Ghosn:
- Panic-driven deal: He emphasized that Nissan approaching a core competitor like Honda reveals deep desperation.
- Lack of industrial logic: According to Ghosn, both firms share overlapping products and markets, making synergies unlikely.
- Government influence: Ghosn suggested Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry may be pushing Nissan toward the talks.
21 December 2024