Nissan's future reportedly became the sticking point in negotiations, with Honda pushing to make its smaller competitor a direct subsidiary.

A proposed $58 billion merger to create the world’s fourth-largest carmaker appears on the verge of collapse after Honda made an unexpected proposal to turn Nissan into a fully owned subsidiary, according to three people familiar with the matter.

According to the report, Foxconn had expressed interest in acquiring Nissan in December, despite the then-active merger talks with Honda. Nissan had reportedly rejected the bid, but it seems that the company is still considering a collaboration with the iPhone maker.