The goal? To take on electric vehicle (EV) giants such as Tesla, renowned for its cutting-edge technological innovation, and BYD, celebrated for its affordability and global production capacity. However, this merger was not just about competition. It reflected a deeper commitment to re-establishing Japan’s dominance in an industry it once led. By pooling their resources, expertise, and legacies, the two companies, Nissan and Honda, joined forces with Mitsubishi Motors to revolutionise the EV market and set new benchmarks for innovation and affordability. Could this historic alliance between Japanese automakers have been the turning point that ushered in a new era for Japan’s automotive industry?
Timeline Of Public Reaction
Peak Engagement: 18 December 2024
The public response to the merger peaked on the day of the announcement, with a total of 22,723 engagements recorded across major social platforms. The surge in discussions highlighted both excitement and scepticism about the merger’s potential to challenge global leaders such as Tesla and BYD.
Post Peak Decline
By 19 December 2024, engagement levels dropped significantly to 2,489 as the initial buzz began to subside. However, later that evening, reports of Foxconn’s potential investment in Nissan reignited interest, sparking fresh conversations about the future of the merger and its potential impact on the EV market.
Engagement Platforms
Discussions about the Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger spanned various social media platforms:
Facebook (88.2%)
Instagram (9.7%)
YouTube (1.9%)
Facebook dominated as the primary platform for long-form discussions and detailed debates, with users analysing the merger’s strategic importance and its potential impact on the global EV market. Instagram facilitated visual storytelling through infographics and memes, which captured both public sentiment and light-hearted takes on the merger. YouTube, though contributing less significantly, featured a handful of videos explaining the merger’s implications, including its challenges and opportunities for the EV industry.
Word Cloud Analysis: Key Themes in Public Sentiment
The word cloud analysis of public sentiment captured the key themes surrounding the merger. Prominent keywords included:
- “Merger,” “alliance,” and “collaboration”: Reflected the strategic unity of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.
- “Tesla,” “BYD,” and “China”: Highlighted the competitive benchmarks these brands aimed to challenge.
- “Innovation,” “better,” and “future”: Indicated optimism for technological advancements and a brighter market outlook.
- “Drowning,” “failed,” and “drag”: Expressed scepticism about the merger’s feasibility and concerns over previous challenges.
- “Murah” (cheap), “harga” (price), and “cost”: Reflected concerns over affordability for consumers.
- “Technology” and “global”: Indicated aspirations for leadership in EV innovation on a global scale.
Social Sentiment: Key Topics Driving Discussions
Sentiment analysis revealed a mix of excitement and scepticism, with 80% positive sentiment and 20% negative sentiment. Here are the key topics that emerged from public discourse:
Scepticism About Benefits (30%)
Many netizens doubted whether the merger could deliver the intended results, raising concerns over its ability to compete effectively with Tesla and BYD.
Humorous Reactions to Name Combinations (25%)
A light-hearted take on the merger saw netizens suggesting playful brand name combinations, such as “Nihon” and “Honsan”.
Concerns Over Brand Identity (15%)
Critics expressed worries that the merger might dilute the unique legacies of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, diminishing their individual appeal.
Support for Collaboration (10%)
Optimists viewed the merger as a strategic move that could bring innovative solutions and strengthen Japan’s position in the EV market and automotive industry.
Criticism of Nissan’s Current State (10%)
Frustration over Nissan’s recent performance and declining consumer trust fuelled scepticism about its role in the merger.
Optimism for New Models (10%)
Enthusiasts expressed hope that the merger would lead to the development of innovative EV models that could redefine the industry.
By leveraging further synergies and the leadership of each representative executive officer, this historic alliance could become a cornerstone for Japan’s resurgence in the global EV battlefield.
Unlock Actionable Insights with Dataxet’s DXT360 Platform
As the Honda-Nissan+Mitsubishi merger sets a new course for Japan’s automotive industry, it is clear that strategic collaborations are pivotal in addressing the challenges of the EV market. Understanding the ripple effects of this merger on competition and industry standards is crucial. Navigating these shifts requires strong crisis management and insightful brand analysis. Leverage the power of real-time insights with Dataxet’s DXT360 platform, providing you with actionable data to stay ahead of the competition and make informed decisions. Discover more about DXT360 here. .
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