Is Tesla investing in Nissan?

Electromobility and software-defined driving Is Tesla investing in Nissan?

2025-03-04 From Stefanie Eckardt | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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After merger talks between Nissan and Honda recently failed, Nissan is seeking a new partner to support the struggling automaker. According to the Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter, they are actively courting Tesla.

After the failed merger with Honda, Nissan can well imagine Tesla as a potential partner.(Image: Nissan) — After the failed merger with Honda, Nissan can well imagine Tesla as a potential partner.
(Image: Nissan)

Honda and Nissan have been close partners for several years and wanted to discuss whether a possible merger might be desirable. A joint holding company would have promised significant advantages for both sides—from shared development costs, which are rising enormously in terms of electromobility and software-defined vehicles, to more efficient production and a stronger market position.

However, the proposed merger, which aimed to compete with US rival Tesla, has fallen through and now the struggling automaker Nissan is seeking a financially strong partner. The company recently made headlines with a layoff of 9,000 employees. Additionally, its creditworthiness with financial institutions has been significantly downgraded.

This is where Tesla comes into play. According to the Financial Times, a group of Nissan managers reportedly drew up plans on how to attract the Californian automaker for a partnership.

Against impending tariffs: Nissan lures with US plants

Nissan wants to put its US factories in a good light, especially since Trump's announced 25 percent tariffs on vehicle imports to the USA could also harm Tesla. The Californians are dependent on global parts, and should the tariffs come into effect, they will likely impact Tesla's business and profitability. To what extent is still unclear. Additionally, the elimination of tax credits for electric vehicles in the USA and the removal of emission targets for automakers are not necessarily expected to have a positive impact on Tesla.

The Nissan-Tesla task force of the Japanese automaker is convinced that Tesla would invest in Nissan if the Californians could take over Nissan's plants in North America in return. These would help boost domestic production. "Nissan has two assembly plants in Tennessee and Mississippi with a total capacity of about 1 million vehicles, but produced only 525,000 units there in 2024," said the Financial Times.

Why does speed matter?

At Nissan, there is growing concern that foreign investors might buy in. Foxconn has already shown interest. The Taiwanese company reached out to Renault in this context – the French automaker is a shareholder in Nissan. (se)

In China, the automotive manufacturers' cards could be reshuffled. If a merger between Dongfeng and Changan occurs, it would create the largest automaker in the Middle Kingdom. (Image:free licensed on Pixabay)

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