(Updates to add Nissan Motor's comment in the first and second paragraphs.)

Nissan Motor plans to announce the direction of integration with Honda Motor (HMC) by mid-February, pushing back the previous end-January deadline, a Nissan Motor spokesperson told MT Newswires on Friday.

"The two companies planned to decide on the direction of the business integration by the end of January, but Integration Preparatory Committee discussions are ongoing," a Nissan Motor spokesperson told MT Newswire in an email.

The two Japanese automakers are exploring a possible merger by 2026.

Nissan's long-time partner, Renault, has expressed openness to the merger, while smaller alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors is considering not joining the deal, according to Reuters.

Honda Motor did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.