Honda's CEO said it was "difficult" to explain why Nissan would make a good business partner. Analysts believe that Honda's ideal partner for a merger would be a more "healthy and financially sound company.

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.

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.