Nissan Motor will aim to announce the direction of its possible integration with Honda Motor by mid-February, a company spokesperson said on Friday, pushing back the plan from the end of January. The two Japanese automakers have been in talks to explore a merger by 2026,

The industry that helped turn Japan into an economic juggernaut is undergoing its biggest change in years, with two of the country’s best-known carmakers looking to join forces.

As talks between the automakers continue, analysts say a combination makes sense but may face hurdles, including short-term financial hardship.

Despite reports that Mitsubishi would not be a part of the Honda-Nissan merger, officially no decision has been made

As Honda and Nissan push forward with merger plans, Mitsubishi Motors may bow out, citing doubts about its influence in the new partnership.