The megamerger between Honda and Nissan is now officially off following weeks of talks, the two automakers confirmed on Thursday.

¡°It¡¯s very unfortunate that we could not find the common ground to take a step toward the merger,¡± said Honda President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe in a news conference.

The automakers explored the deal, which would have created the world¡¯s No. 3 vehicle producer, as a way to reverse their declining fortunes.