Nissan Looking for New Partner with Honda Deal Set to Collapse

Nissan is seeking a new partner as it prepares to end negotiations to form a joint holding company with Honda, according to people familiar with the matter.

The fresh ally would ideally be from the technology sector and be based in the U.S., the people said, asking not to be identified because the information isn’t public. Although its sales are slowing globally, North America remains Nissan’s most important market, as the wider shift toward electrification and automation has pushed all carmakers to seek alliances with high-tech industries. 

Nissan shares jumped as much as 8.7% in afternoon trading in Tokyo on February 6. A Nissan spokesperson declined to comment, adding that any details concerning talks with Honda would be announced as planned around mid-February.

Walking away from the tie-up with Honda is a huge gamble for Nissan, whose outdated product lineup has forced it to discoun…