Nissan began merger discussions with Honda in December 2024 after the Yokohama-based automaker's bleak financial situation became apparent at the release of its year-end reports. Since then, it's been openly looking to break ties with its nearly two-plus-decade alliance with France's Renault.

CEO Makoto Uchida could very well fall on his sword—whether or not Nissan’s board is still interested in a tie-up with its larger domestic rival. Japanese carmaker Honda Motor is reportedly demanding Nissan jettison CEO Makoto Uchida as a condition for reopening acquisition talks that could create the world’s third-largest carmaker by vehicle sales.