Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

The Detroit Three are facing an auto industry increasingly affected by the rise of China as demonstrated by the planned merger of Honda and Nissan.

Japan’s second- and third-largest automakers hope the $50 billion deal would help them catch up with Tesla and China’s BYD in electric vehicles and advanced software.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans for a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry that's in flux as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels.

Facing extreme competitive pressure from the rise of Chinese EV makers, the Nos. 2 and 3 Japanese automakers turn to each other to build strength.

A prerequisite for the merger is for Nissan to complete its business turnaround, Mibe added. Honda and Nissan are the second and third largest automakers in Japan, respectively. I

Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge as the Japanese automakers struggle with competition from rival brands in the electric vehicle market. The two companies confirmed on Monday that they had signed a memorandum of understanding that would create the third largest car maker by sales,

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to join forces, forming world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

Automakers in Japan have lagged behind their big rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time.