Mississippi May Make More Trucks
Automakers are constantly fighting to keep cars affordable so their customers can keep coming back, and as economic factors cast larger shadows over the industry, the solutions being developed are becoming more radical. According to a report by Asia Nikkei, Nissan and Honda are discussing the possibility of collaborating on vehicle production, with the former reportedly considering using its underutilized Canton plant in Mississippi (responsible for the Frontier) to produce “large models” for Honda. Specifically, the company is reportedly mulling the manufacture of pickup trucks for Honda, which would have Honda nameplates and be sold by Honda.
Honda Ready To Step Up To The Big Time?
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Honda currently offers the Ridgeline as its sole pickup offering in America, and this is produced in Lincoln, Alabama. While it occupies the same midsize segment as the Nissan Frontier, it’s a far less rugged proposition, with more car-like features and comfort. It’s unclear if a new pickup would be a revision of the midsize recipe or a step up to full-size territory, but we suspect the former.
Asia Nikkei quotes automotive research firm MarkLines, which reports that the Canton plant only operated at 57% of its capacity in 2024, far below the 80% threshold that a manufacturing plant must generally reach to avoid a loss. With Nissan struggling globally, any boost to production and income would surely be welcome.
A Failed Merger, But Nissan Isn’t Giving Up
Nissan
One of the biggest stories of the year was the proposed merger between Honda and Nissan, but that fell apart due to numerous issues, one of which was reportedly a desire for full control by Honda. Since then, however, both Japanese automakers have been forced to refocus on the threat of tariffs, and Nissan is reportedly cozying up to iPhone maker Foxconn to save its Oppama plant from closure. U.S. President Donald Trump calls Japanese auto trade with America unfair, but more production on American soil may help to sway that opinion.
Whatever happens, Nissan needs help. Its Canton plant won’t be busy for a long time after two planned EVs were delayed. Honda is also making deals with the likes of Toyota to maintain a competitive edge after it reported a net loss of over $4 billion due to tariffs. With the future uncertain for all automakers, we may see more collaborative efforts of this sort in the future, but for now, neither Honda nor Nissan is confirming or denying that a joint pickup project is in the works. Stay tuned.
Related: Nearly Half A Million Nissan Cars & SUVs May Need New Engines