Following the collapse of merger talks between 日产和本田 in February 2025, 丰田 reportedly reached out to Nissan to explore a potential partnership, according to Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun via Automotive News. This move underscores Toyota’s ambition to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) strategy amid intensifying global competition, offering significant implications for EV enthusiasts and industry stakeholders.

Toyota’s Strategic Outreach

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker for five consecutive years, contacted Nissan shortly after the failed Honda merger, which ended due to Nissan’s resistance to becoming a subsidiary. A Toyota executive reportedly discussed a possible alliance, though Nissan declined to comment, and Toyota is still reviewing the report. This outreach aligns with Toyota’s existing stakes in Japanese automakers, including 20% of Subaru, 5.1% of Mazda, 4.9% of Suzuki, and 5.9% of Isuzu. A Toyota-Nissan partnership could have reshaped Japan’s EV and mobility sectors but risked anti-monopoly scrutiny, as noted by Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda at CES 2025: “Creating a single mega-company would likely have violated anti-monopoly laws.”

Nissan’s EV Pivot and Cost-Cutting Measures

Nissan’s internal challenges have driven its openness to collaborations while prioritizing stability. The Re:Nissan plan, led by CEO Ivan Espinosa, includes slashing 20,000 jobs, closing seven factories, and reducing R&D spending. It also aims to simplify parts by 70% and discontinue six vehicle architectures. Despite these cuts, Nissan is accelerating its EV lineup, including the N7 electric sedan and Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid pickup, developed with 中国‘s Dongfeng. Espinosa emphasized, “The top priority is to stabilize internally,” reflecting a cautious yet proactive approach to electrification.

Industry Implications for EV Development

Toyota’s interest in Nissan signals a broader industry trend toward consolidation to tackle EV development costs and technological complexity. Toyota’s robust hybrid portfolio, including models like the Prius, contrasts with Nissan’s focus on full EVs, such as the Ariya, which offers a range of up to 304 miles (489 kilometers). A partnership could have merged Toyota’s battery tech expertise with Nissan’s EV platforms, potentially lowering costs and accelerating market delivery. For EV owners, this could mean more affordable, advanced vehicles, though regulatory hurdles and Nissan’s restructuring may slow progress.

Nissan’s Global Strategy and Challenges

Nissan’s sales struggles, dropping to 3.3 million vehicles in fiscal year 2024 (April 2024–March 2025) from a 2015 target of 8 million, highlight the urgency of its turnaround. Collaborations with 雷诺, Mitsubishi, and Dongfeng are yielding badge-engineered models to cut development time. The upcoming 2026 Nissan Micra, an EV-focused compact, exemplifies this strategy. However, former CEO Carlos Ghosn’s claim that Nissan faces a “desperate situation” underscores the stakes, with ongoing Honda talks limited to “vehicle intelligence and electrification.”

What’s Next for EV Enthusiasts?

For EVXL readers, Toyota’s outreach to Nissan highlights the dynamic alliances shaping the EV market. While no deal materialized, the prospect of shared resources could drive innovation in battery range, charging infrastructure, and software integration—key concerns for EV owners. Nissan’s cost-cutting and EV investments suggest a leaner, more competitive lineup, potentially offering vehicles with enhanced range and affordability. As Toyota and Nissan navigate these shifts, EV enthusiasts should watch for new models and tech advancements that could redefine electric mobility.

Photos courtesy of Nissan