live Trump says ceasefire is on ‘life support’ after calling Iran’s reply a ‘stupid proposal’ - Middle East conflict 11 May
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal as a “stupid proposal,” say...
Honda and Nissan are exploring deeper collaboration, including a potential merger, to address growing competition from Tesla and Chinese EV makers. The move could create the world's third-largest automaker, reshaping Japan's automotive industry.
Honda and Nissan are in discussions to strengthen ties, potentially through a merger, two sources revealed on Wednesday. This move highlights how Japan's auto industry is responding to challenges from Tesla and Chinese competitors.
A merged Honda-Nissan entity would become the world's third-largest automaker, with a market value of $54 billion and annual production of 7.4 million vehicles, trailing only Toyota and Volkswagen.
The two companies established a strategic partnership in March to collaborate on electric vehicle (EV) development. However, Nissan's mounting financial troubles have accelerated the need for closer cooperation.
Last month, Nissan announced a $2.6 billion cost-saving plan, including 9,000 job cuts and a 20% reduction in production capacity, following an 85% drop in second-quarter profits due to weak sales in China and the US.
“This seems like an effort to rescue Nissan, but Honda is also facing challenges,” said Sanshiro Fukao of the Itochu Research Institute. Honda expects weaker cash flow next year and struggles in its EV segment.
Nissan shares surged over 22% on Wednesday, while Honda shares dipped 2.3%.
Mitsubishi shares rose 13%. The talks aim to enhance technological collaboration and could lead to a holding company or even a full merger, sources said. Cooperation with Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan owns a 24% stake, is also being explored.
Neither company has announced a deal, though they have acknowledged exploring collaboration opportunities.
“A Honda-Nissan merger could revitalise Japan's auto industry by providing competition to Toyota,” said Seiji Sugiura of Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory. However, integrating their differing corporate cultures and navigating US trade policies could pose challenges.
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal as a “stupid proposal,” saying Tehran failed to commit to abandoning its pursuit of a nuclear weapon, while warning the fragile ceasefire was on “massive life support”.
President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to a US war proposal “totally unacceptable” after Tehran sent its reply through mediator Pakistan, according to IRNA. Qatar’s al-Thani also warned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as “a pressure tool”.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.
A Turkish Airlines plane caught fire in its landing gear tyres after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday (11 May) morning, temporarily disrupting airport operations, officials said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.
China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.
Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.
Stocks around the world climbed to fresh record highs on Wednesday (6 May), while oil prices fell sharply, after reports suggested the United States and Iran were nearing an agreement to end conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, up from the 15% level agreed last year, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with its trade commitments.
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