Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan said they will jointly develop standardized electronic control units and software for next-generation vehicles, targeting a rollout by fiscal 2029. The collaboration aims to establish common specifications for core ECUs, operating systems, middleware and vehicle-control software within their electrical and electronic architectures.
The initiative reflects competitive pressure from Chinese automakers such as BYD, which have expanded market share in Europe and Southeast Asia through advanced software in electric and hybrid vehicles. Honda and Nissan first announced their joint research into next-generation software platforms in 2024, more than a year after abandoning merger talks that would have created the world’s fourth-largest automaker.
Nissan’s alliance partner, Mitsubishi Motors, is considering joining the collaboration and is in discussions regarding potential areas of participation. The announcement was made on August 31 in Tokyo.
