Renault executives travelled to Japan this week to meet counterparts at Nissan in an effort to maximise the value of the French automaker's stake in the Japanese firm ahead of its merger with Honda, a source close to the matter told Reuters.

Renault SA wants a premium for its stake in Nissan Motor Co. if Honda Motor Co. takes over control of the rival Japanese automaker, according to people familiar with the matter.

Japan's Honda Motor plans to launch a small electric vehicle priced below $30,000 in North America by as early as 2026, the Nikkei newspaper said on Tuesday, as it plays catch-up in the battery-powered car market.

According to Nikkei, Honda plans to launch a smaller EV priced under $30,000 in the US as early as 2026. It will be made locally, starting with the batteries, to cut costs. The new EV is expected to be the entry-level model for its upcoming Honda 0 Series. It will be a cornerstone for Honda’s global expansion.

The affordable Honda EV, which could go on sale by 2026, may be produced in the Ohio factory, avoiding potential tariffs