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Remain calm, there is only 1 week until Christmas. Today we’re talking about a potential merger between Nissan and Honda, how Chevy’s EV Equinox apparently doesn’t make enough noise and how the FTC is cracking down on junk hotel fees.

Show Notes with links:

• Nissan faces a crossroads as merger talks with Honda intensify, spurred by Foxconn's interest in a controlling stake and the competitive pressures reshaping Japan's auto industry.
  • An announcement by Honda and Nissan could come as soon as Dec. 23, with plans to sign a memorandum of understanding to discuss shared equity stakes in a new holding company.
  • A Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger would create one of two Japanese auto powerhouses—the other led by Toyota and its stakes in Subaru, Suzuki, and Mazda.
  • Foxconn’s interest in Nissan reportedly accelerated Honda’s push for a merger, fearing Nissan’s vulnerability to a takeover.
  • Combined, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi sold 4 million vehicles globally in the first half of the year, far behind Toyota’s 5.2 million on its own.
  • Nissan shares surged 24% on Dec. 18, marking the biggest one-day gain in its history, after both companies acknowledged discussions.
  • Renault, Nissan’s largest shareholder with a 36% stake, remains a key player, potentially influencing any final decision.

• General Motors issued a recall for the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV due to its pedestrian alert system failing to make sufficient noise at low speeds, potentially putting pedestrians at risk.
  • The alert system's software may not meet federal noise requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles, affecting over 7,500 Equinox EVs.
  • GM resolved the issue in its assembly plant in October. Current owners can get a free body control module update at dealerships starting January 27, 2025.
  • EVs are known for their quiet operation, but regulations require external sounds to alert pedestrians, especially at low speeds.
  • Despite the recall, over 15,000 units have already sold. The LT FWD trim, starting at $34,995, boasts a 319-mile range, making it one of the most affordable long-range EVs in the U.S.

• The FTC has passed a rule requiring ticket sellers, hotels, and rental sites to disclose total prices upfront, addressing "junk fees" that increase consumer costs.
  • Companies must now include service fees, resort fees, and other charges in advertised prices, eliminating last-minute add-ons.
  • The rule could save Americans 53 million hours annually spent uncovering hidden fees.
  • Passed 4-1, the rule may face challenges under incoming Republican leadership and legal pushback.
  • FTC Chair Lina Khan stated: "I.. encourage state and federal policymakers to build on this success with legislation that bans unfair and deceptive junk fees across the economy."

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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