TOKYO -- Honda Motor and Nissan Motor have entered into discussions to standardize the basic software that controls their vehicles to try to catch up to Chinese electric vehicle makers and Tesla of the U.S, Nikkei has learned.

Nissan is in talks to supply cars to Honda in the United States, which would let the struggling Japanese automaker put to use an under-utilised American plant, the Nikkei newspaper said on Friday, without citing sources.

Honda and Nissan decided against a merger earlier this year, but it appears the two sides are still open to working together. The move appears to be spurred by President Trump’s tariffs, which are having a huge impact on imports.