Nissan has ended merger discussions with Honda and is now open to working with new partners, including technology firms such as Foxconn

As software-defined vehicles now dominate the auto industry, Nissan could benefit from a partnership with Foxconn, which can procure some of the most advanced semiconductors, Itochu Research Institute researcher Sanshiro Fukao said. In return, Foxconn could use Nissan’s surplus production capacity for its contract manufacturing business.

Don’t underestimate the pride of an ailing company. After signing a memorandum of understanding in late December to “consider” a merger with Honda, a source told Reuters that Nissan is backing out of the discussion.