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Honda, Nissan aim for third-largest global automaker

Honda and Nissan plan merger to become third-largest automaker, addressing profit declines and competition in electric vehicle market.

Published

1 year ago

December 24, 2024

ticker NEWS

Nissan and Honda have announced plans to merge, aiming to form the world’s third-largest automaker, alongside Mitsubishi Motors.

This decision comes amidst significant profit declines for Nissan, primarily due to an outdated model lineup in the U.S. market.

The companies have also struggled in China, where demand for electric vehicles is increasing rapidly.

Given the industry’s shift towards autonomous vehicles, both firms recognise the need to pool their research and cut costs to remain competitive.

However, successfully merging the two companies poses several challenges. Both Honda and Nissan have similar model offerings and strong presences in the U.S., necessitating decisions on product overlaps and marketing strategies.

Appointing directors

The merger dynamics favour Honda, which has a greater stock market valuation. Consequently, Honda will appoint a majority of directors in the new company, and its top executive will come from Honda.

The two companies plan to formalise their agreement by June and establish a holding company by August 2026, which will own both Nissan and Honda as subsidiaries.

In response to concerns over Nissan’s future, Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, has dismissed claims that the merger is being pressured by Japanese authorities.

News

SpaceX expands Starlink with phone plans and satellite tracking ambitions

SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.

SpaceX is pushing Starlink beyond internet from space, with plans underway for new consumer facing services that could reshape the telecom landscape.

The company is reportedly exploring a Starlink mobile device, positioning it as a potential rival to established smartphone players as it looks to extend its reach from orbit to everyday tech.

Starlink has become SpaceX’s financial powerhouse, generating an estimated $8 billion in revenue last year, with fresh trademark and patent filings signalling even more ambitious expansion ahead.

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News

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

23 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply

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Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

1 day ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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