OpenAI Moves to Acquire Neptune as It Expands AI Training Capabilities 
EU Prepares Antitrust Probe Into Meta’s AI Integration on WhatsApp 
Baidu Cuts Jobs as AI Competition and Ad Revenue Slump Intensify 
Quantum Systems Projects Revenue Surge as It Eyes IPO or Private Sale 
YouTube Agrees to Follow Australia’s New Under-16 Social Media Ban 
Coupang Apologizes After Massive Data Breach Affecting 33.7 Million Users 
UPS MD-11 Crash Prompts Families to Prepare Wrongful Death Lawsuit 
Australia Moves Forward With Teen Social Media Ban as Platforms Begin Lockouts 
GM Issues Recall for 2026 Chevrolet Silverado Trucks Over Missing Owner Manuals 
Netflix’s Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Aims to Cut Streaming Costs and Reshape the Industry 
Hikvision Challenges FCC Rule Tightening Restrictions on Chinese Telecom Equipment 
Wikipedia Pushes for AI Licensing Deals as Jimmy Wales Calls for Fair Compensation 
Momenta Quietly Moves Toward Hong Kong IPO Amid Rising China-U.S. Tensions 
Firelight Launches as First XRP Staking Platform on Flare, Introduces DeFi Cover Feature 
Sam Altman Reportedly Explored Funding for Rocket Venture in Potential Challenge to SpaceX 
TSMC Accuses Former Executive of Leaking Trade Secrets as Taiwan Prosecutors Launch Investigation 
Microchip Technology Boosts Q3 Outlook on Strong Bookings Momentum 
Honda Motor Co. (TYO:7267) and Nissan Motor Co. (TYO:7201) shares surged on Wednesday after reports suggested they may abandon merger plans. Honda's stock rose 2.9%, while Nissan gained 4.3%. Toyota Motor Corp. (TYO:7203) also climbed 1.7%, with the Nikkei 225 index increasing by 0.3%.
According to Japan’s Asahi Shimbun, Honda and Nissan's boards will soon discuss terminating merger talks. Honda reportedly proposed making Nissan its subsidiary, a move strongly opposed by Nissan executives. The two companies had initially announced merger discussions last year, aiming to create the world’s third-largest automaker, trailing only Volkswagen (ETR:VOWG_p) and Toyota (NYSE:TM).
The potential cancellation could be a significant setback for Nissan, Japan’s third-largest automaker, which is struggling amid a global shift to electric vehicles, particularly in China. The company has been working to regain market share but faces strong competition from EV leaders like Tesla and BYD.
Japanese automakers are also navigating uncertainty over U.S. trade policies. President Donald Trump recently postponed a proposed 25% tariff on Mexico, a crucial manufacturing hub, by 30 days.
If the merger falls through, Honda and Nissan will need to reassess their strategies to stay competitive in an evolving global auto market.
