Honda has worked with GM in a series of collaborations that did not involve any exchange of corporate equity. In 1993, GM controlled Isuzu and signed a deal to supply its Rodeo to become Honda’s first SUV,

Rumors have it that Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry helped to influence the deal to avoid Foxconn's takeover of Nissan after METI endorsed the merger. This set off alarms for scorned ex-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn who is watching the unknown unfold from the sidelines.

Speculation about a potential Honda and Nissan merger began earlier this month, and the two companies confirmed the official start of talks Monday.

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

Honda's shares went up by as much 17% when local markets opened on Tuesday.

The Japanese companies are considering joining forces to survive in a rapidly changing auto industry, but auto history is filled with troubled and failed marriages.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans for a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry that's in flux as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels.

"Today marks a pivotal moment as we begin discussions on business integration that has the potential to shape our future,” said Nissan Director, President, CEO, and Representati