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 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.

Honda did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment. Honda CEO: Merger is not a Nissan rescue. Honda's shares had initially fallen when news first broke of the merger

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.

The proposed deal aims to unify operations under a joint holding company, led by Honda, while maintaining the distinct identities of each brand, according to Honda's president, Toshihiro Mibe. If finalized, the merger would position the combined entity to better compete with market leaders Toyota and Volkswagen.

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.

The potential merger could help boost the auto companies production of electric vehicles amid growing changes in the car industry.

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

SIGN UP for TheStreet’s FREE Daily newsletter 💰💸 While his tenure also brought about landmark products like the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Nissan GT-R supercar; his tenure with the automaker,

Honda, which earlier this week sketched out plans for a deal that amounts to an acquisition of Nissan, sold 3.43 million cars globally in the first 11 months of 2024. Nissan said it sold just over 3 million.

Honda has concentrated its efforts on hybrid vehicles, catering to markets with growing demand, particularly in the United States. Unlike Nissan, Honda offers a range of hybrid models in the US, capitalizing on the increasing popularity of fuel-efficient alternatives among American consumers.