Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. have decided to jointly develop an operating system for next-generation vehicles based on Nissan's existing OS. A source familiar with the matter said the decision was made on Sunday. The companies aim to formalize the agreement as early as August.
The move forms part of broader standardization efforts between the two Japanese automakers. It follows progress in development and seeks to speed up work on advanced vehicles to match competitors in the United States and China.
The companies also intend to share electronic control units that operate vehicle systems according to instructions from the operating system.
They have considered having Nissan produce Honda vehicles in the United States. However, both firms have chosen to focus first on the next-generation vehicle development project they view as essential to their future.