July 16, 2025 – According to a report by Nikkei News in Japan yesterday, Honda and Nissan have initiated discussions on collaboration regarding the development of a common automotive operating system. Their goal is to equip vehicles with this new system software in the latter part of this decade.
Back in August 2024, the two companies had already embarked on a joint research project focused on fundamental software technologies. Based on the outcomes of this research, they will make a decision on whether to proceed to the mass – production development phase.
It’s worth noting that the failed merger attempt between Honda and Nissan has not disrupted a series of their cooperative projects, which cover areas such as technology and production.
The automotive industry is currently undergoing a transition towards a Software – Defined Vehicle (SDV) ecosystem. This shift implies that through subsequent software updates, older car models can be endowed with enhanced driving and riding experiences. Moreover, car manufacturers can generate long – term revenue by offering subscriptions for vehicle functions and services.
For Honda and Nissan, collaborating on the development of an automotive operating system allows them to gain control over the data flow of SDVs at a relatively low cost and reduce their reliance on third – party entities. Additionally, there is potential for similar cost – reducing and efficiency – enhancing standardization collaborations between these two automakers in the areas of high – performance semiconductors, electric motors, and other vehicle components.
