Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda agree to work together on software for cars

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Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. standardized / ˈstæn dər daɪzd / (adj.) – made according to the same rules, methods, or standards so that it is the same or similar everywhere
    Example:

    The school uses standardized tests to measure students’ progress.


  2. automated / ˈɑː t̬ə meɪ t̬ɪd / (adj.) – done or controlled by machines or computer systems without people doing the work directly
    Example:

    The company uses an automated system to process customer orders.


  3. speed up (something) / spiːd ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to make something happen more quickly
    Example:

    The new machines will speed up production.


  4. overshadow / ˌoʊ vərˈʃæd oʊ / (v.) – to make someone or something seem less important, impressive, or noticeable
    Example:

    Her younger sister’s success overshadowed her own achievement.


  5. autonomous / ɔˈtɒn ə məs / (adj.) – able to operate or work without human control
    Example:

    The company is developing autonomous vehicles that can drive without a human driver.


Article

Read the text below.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda entered a deal to jointly develop computer parts and software for vehicles set to enter the market in fiscal 2029, both sides said.


Under the deal, Nissan, based in the port city of Yokohama, and Tokyo-based Honda will share standardized parts in “core ECUs,” or electronic control units, as well as software.


Nissan and Honda started talks in 2024 to work together in developing electric vehicles and auto intelligence technology.


Nissan makes Leaf electric cars and Infiniti luxury models, while Honda makes the Accord sedan, Civic compact, and Odyssey minivan.


The agreement did not specifically mention EVs or any model names and was focused on so-called software-defined vehicles, which could include EVs. These vehicles have functions and features that can be updated and controlled by software, rather than the mechanics of hardware.


The global competition in the auto industry is increasingly intensifying as it moves into various technologies, such as automated driving and zero emissions. Each vehicle is starting to be more like a computer packed with electronic parts and software rather than the old image of gas-guzzling engines.


Sharing components and collaborating on research will help cut costs and speed up development, as well as add efficiency through economies of scale once the vehicles go into production. European makers Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis are working together in software development so they can share the same operating system.


Both Nissan and Honda are overshadowed by Toyota Motor Corp., the top Japanese automaker, and working together could be a plus in competing against Toyota. However, Toyota has been mentioned in the past as engaging in software talks with Nissan and Honda, although it was not part of the announcement.


Toyota is working on software with other companies like Subaru, which is part of the Toyota group, and U.S. autonomous driving technology company Waymo. As part of their strategic partnership, Nissan and Honda will continue to explore other opportunities for collaboration across a range of areas, including zero-emissions and decreasing traffic fatalities. Both sides stressed that the use of intelligence and electrification technology is an important focus for working together.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Nissan and Honda will share standardized computer parts and software as they work together. Do you think competitors can work together successfully while still trying to beat each other? Why do you say so? What could each company gain from working with a competitor? What problems could happen if they share too much with each other? Discuss.
  • Nissan and Honda are both smaller than Toyota in Japan, and the article says working together could help them compete. Is working with others sometimes a better way to compete than trying to succeed alone? Why do you say so? Talk about your experience working with someone and working on your own. Which of the two experiences do you think had better results? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Nissan and Honda want to explore other opportunities for collaboration in areas including zero-emissions and decreasing traffic fatalities. Which of the two would you like the companies to explore? Why? Discuss.
  • Both companies stressed that the use of intelligence and electrification technology is an important focus for working together. Do you agree with Nissan and Honda’s opinion on developing new cars and vehicles? Why or why not? Discuss.