Honda, Nissan sign pact on next‑gen car software

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. (HMC) reports that it and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. have entered into a joint development agreement to standardize multiple core electronic control units (ECUs), the in‑vehicle operating system, key middleware components, and vehicle control software for next‑generation software‑defined vehicles (SDVs). The standardized ECUs and software, within a shared E/E architecture, are planned for use in both companies’ next‑generation SDVs from fiscal year 2029 onward. Honda states that this agreement is part of a broader strategic partnership focused on software, electrification, and safety, and that the transaction is not anticipated to have a material impact on its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.

Key Figures

Fiscal year end: March 31, 2027 Application timing: Fiscal year 2029 onward Securities Code: 7267

3 metrics

Fiscal year end March 31, 2027 Honda notes no material impact expected on consolidated financial results for this fiscal year

Application timing Fiscal year 2029 onward Planned application of jointly developed ECUs and software in next-generation SDVs

Securities Code 7267 Honda’s securities code on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Key Terms

software-defined vehicles (SDVs), electronic control units (ECUs), middleware, E/E architecture, +1 more

5 terms

software-defined vehicles (SDVs) technical

"form the core of next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs)"

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are cars and other vehicles whose key features, performance and updates are delivered mainly through software rather than fixed hardware, so functions like navigation, safety, entertainment and driver assistance can be changed or improved over the air. For investors, SDVs matter because they shift value from one-time hardware sales to ongoing software revenue, create opportunities for recurring subscriptions and updates, and change cost, regulatory and competitive dynamics much like turning a phone into a platform on wheels.

electronic control units (ECUs) technical

"standardize multiple electronic control units (ECUs)* that form the core"

Electronic control units (ECUs) are small on-board computers that manage specific vehicle functions like engine timing, braking, steering, infotainment, and driver-assist systems; think of each ECU as a dedicated appliance controller or a room thermostat that keeps one part of the car running correctly. They matter to investors because the number, cost, software complexity and security of ECUs influence a vehicle maker’s production costs, upgrade and recall risk, aftermarket revenue from software features, and exposure to regulatory and cybersecurity issues.

middleware technical

"in-vehicle operating system and key parts of the middleware, and vehicle control software"

Middleware is software that acts like a bridge or translator between different applications and systems, allowing them to share data and work together smoothly. Investors care because middleware influences how reliably a company’s technology runs, how easily new features or partners can be added, and whether a software provider has steady, repeatable revenue from integration services—factors that affect growth, costs and long‑term value.

E/E architecture technical

"The E/E architecture incorporating the jointly developed ECUs and software"

The e/e architecture is the layout and design of a vehicle’s electrical and electronic systems — like the wiring, sensors, computers and how they communicate — similar to a building’s wiring, plumbing and control panels working together. It matters to investors because it drives manufacturing cost, product features, software updates, reliability and cybersecurity risk; a modern, flexible architecture can enable new services, faster upgrades and different supplier economics that affect profitability and growth.

carbon neutrality other

"to accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality and help realize a future"

Achieving carbon neutrality means a company balances the greenhouse gases it emits by cutting emissions and removing or offsetting the remainder, so its net contribution to atmospheric carbon is zero. Think of it like balancing a household budget: any emissions you can’t eliminate are “paid back” by projects that absorb or prevent the same amount elsewhere. Investors care because carbon-neutral commitments can reduce regulatory, operational and reputational risks, influence costs and access to capital, and affect long-term valuation.

FAQ

What did HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. (HMC) announce in this Form 6-K?

Honda announced a joint development agreement with Nissan to standardize core ECUs, in‑vehicle operating system, key middleware, and vehicle control software for next‑generation software‑defined vehicles (SDVs), as part of their broader strategic partnership.

When will the jointly developed ECUs and software be applied to Honda (HMC) vehicles?

The jointly developed ECUs and software, within a shared E/E architecture, are planned for application in both companies’ next‑generation SDVs from fiscal year 2029 onward.

Will this Nissan-Honda software agreement affect Honda’s (HMC) near-term financial results?

Honda states that this transaction is not anticipated to have a material impact on its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.

What technologies are being standardized under the Nissan-Honda agreement involving HMC?

Nissan and Honda will jointly develop and standardize multiple core ECUs, the in‑vehicle operating system, key parts of the middleware, and vehicle control software that run on these ECUs for future SDVs.

How does this agreement support Honda’s (HMC) strategic goals?

The companies describe SDV-related software as key to vehicle intelligence and electrification and part of efforts to accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality and a future with zero traffic fatalities involving their vehicles.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Available on EDGAR 08/31/2026 - 06:57 AM Accepted by SEC EDGAR 08/31/2026 - 06:01 AM Learn about SEC filing dates

No.1-7628

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2026

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-07628

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

(Name of registrant)

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

2-3, Toranomon 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8404, Japan

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐   

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐

Contents

Exhibit 1:

Nissan and Honda Conclude Joint Development Agreement to Standardize ECUs and Software for Next-Generation SDVs

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

( HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. )

/s/ Koji Ito

Koji Ito

General Manager

Finance Division

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Date: August 31, 2026

[Translation]

August 31, 2026

To Whom It May Concern:
Company Name:		Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Representative:		Toshihiro Mibe
		Director, President and Representative Executive Officer
		(Securities Code: 7267 Prime Market, TSE)
Contact Person:		Sumihiro Takahashi
		Head of Accounting and Finance Unit
		(TEL: +81-3-3423-1111)

Nissan and Honda Conclude Joint Development Agreement to

Standardize ECUs and Software for Next-Generation SDVs

Honda Motors Co., Ltd. (“Honda”) today announced that Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda have entered into a joint development agreement to standardize multiple electronic control units (ECUs) that form the core of next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs), along with the in-vehicle operating system and key parts of the middleware, and vehicle control software that run on these ECUs.

For details, please see the attached press release.

This transaction is not anticipated to have a material impact on Honda’s consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.

- End -

August 31, 2026

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan and Honda Conclude Joint Development Agreement to Standardize ECUs and Software for Next-Generation SDVs

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have entered into a joint development agreement to standardize multiple electronic control units (ECUs)* that form the core of next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs), along with the in-vehicle operating system and key parts of the middleware, and vehicle control software that run on these ECUs.

The E/E architecture incorporating the jointly developed ECUs and software is planned for application in both companies’ next-generation SDVs from fiscal year 2029 onward.

As part of their strategic partnership, Nissan and Honda continue to explore opportunities for collaboration across a range of areas to accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality and help realize a future with zero traffic fatalities involving their vehicles. In particular, the software domain centered on SDVs, which is key to vehicle intelligence and electrification, has been identified as an important area of collaboration, given the rapid pace of technological innovation and the need to strengthen competitiveness through improved R&D speed and investment efficiency.

Recognizing the need to strengthen competitiveness through faster development cycles and more efficient investment, the two companies have conducted extensive studies on potential collaboration in the software domain. As a result of these discussions, Nissan and Honda have agreed to jointly develop and standardize the core ECUs and software that underpin next-generation SDVs.

Under the agreement, the companies will work together to establish common specifications for multiple core ECUs within the E/E architecture of next-generation SDVs, as well the in-vehicle operating system and key parts of the middleware, and vehicle control software.

By standardizing these foundational technologies, Nissan and Honda aim to leverage their combined engineering expertise and development resources to improve efficiency, accelerate innovation, and enhance competitiveness through reduced development costs and greater economies of scale.

Going forward, Nissan and Honda will continue to build on their respective strengths, explore opportunities to create new value, and deepen collaboration to bring tangible benefits to customers and society.

* High-performance main ECUs (High Performance Computers) that use SoCs, and zone ECUs that oversee each area of the vehicle.