Kate Leinbaugh

In this proposed deal, Nissan would get a lifeline. But what does Honda get? That's after the break.

In this proposed deal, Nissan would get a lifeline. But what does Honda get? That's after the break.

In December, Nissan and Honda held a joint press conference. A translator interpreted for the CEOs and for reporters.

In December, Nissan and Honda held a joint press conference. A translator interpreted for the CEOs and for reporters.

In December, Nissan and Honda held a joint press conference. A translator interpreted for the CEOs and for reporters.

As the CEOs of both companies stood on stage at the press announcement, things got awkward. What did the Honda CEO first say about this deal?

As the CEOs of both companies stood on stage at the press announcement, things got awkward. What did the Honda CEO first say about this deal?

As the CEOs of both companies stood on stage at the press announcement, things got awkward. What did the Honda CEO first say about this deal?

I hope I answered your question. He said worthy of consideration? Like, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement.

I hope I answered your question. He said worthy of consideration? Like, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement.

I hope I answered your question. He said worthy of consideration? Like, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement.

The merger, which is planned for next year, would create the third largest automotive group in the world behind Toyota and Volkswagen. The merged company would have sales of 8 million vehicles a year. Honda has said that pooling resources with Nissan will allow for both brands to continue innovating as demand rises for EVs and autonomous technologies.

The merger, which is planned for next year, would create the third largest automotive group in the world behind Toyota and Volkswagen. The merged company would have sales of 8 million vehicles a year. Honda has said that pooling resources with Nissan will allow for both brands to continue innovating as demand rises for EVs and autonomous technologies.

The merger, which is planned for next year, would create the third largest automotive group in the world behind Toyota and Volkswagen. The merged company would have sales of 8 million vehicles a year. Honda has said that pooling resources with Nissan will allow for both brands to continue innovating as demand rises for EVs and autonomous technologies.

But if Honda's CEO sounded lukewarm about the deal, that may be because it was a bit of an arranged marriage. Arranged by the Japanese government.

But if Honda's CEO sounded lukewarm about the deal, that may be because it was a bit of an arranged marriage. Arranged by the Japanese government.

But if Honda's CEO sounded lukewarm about the deal, that may be because it was a bit of an arranged marriage. Arranged by the Japanese government.

Honda's CEO has rejected suggestions that the company was being pushed to rescue Nissan. So this deal might make sense from, like, a political perspective, but what about the market challenges the deal faces?

Honda's CEO has rejected suggestions that the company was being pushed to rescue Nissan. So this deal might make sense from, like, a political perspective, but what about the market challenges the deal faces?

Honda's CEO has rejected suggestions that the company was being pushed to rescue Nissan. So this deal might make sense from, like, a political perspective, but what about the market challenges the deal faces?