Japanese auto makers Honda and Nissan said they plan to merge as traditional car makers try to cope with falling sales, slumping share prices, and increased competition from electric-vehicle makers. Honda and Nissan signed a memorandum of understanding to explore synergies and integrate their businesses through establishing a joint holding company,

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,

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.