Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan are moving in an exciting new direction. They will be redeveloping and sharing their self-driving vehicle's (SDV) key parts to improve efficiency and reduce cost. While this collaboration's finer details are still under wraps, it marks a significant shift in operations for these two giants of Japan's automotive industry.

Japan, being a nation that prides itself on technological innovation and efficiency, actively encourages its industries to collaborate for improved outcomes. In a culture where technology is always at the forefront, the public views this collaborative step between Honda and Nissan positively. It taps into the long-term Japanese values of unity and shared progress.

In contrast, in the US and EU, major car manufacturers have usually kept their SDV technology proprietary to maintain competitive market advantages. Only recently are they realizing the benefits of collaboration to speed up SDV tech development and cut costs. This move by Honda and Nissan may indeed inspire more Western automakers to follow suit.