Speculation grows over a potential Honda-Nissan merger that could challenge Chinese automakers and impact global vehicle sales.

The Detroit Three are facing an auto industry increasingly affected by the rise of China as demonstrated by the planned merger of Honda and Nissan.

Honda and Nissan plan to merge as the two Japanese firms seek to fight back against competition from the Chinese car industry. The integration would create one of the world's biggest car producers alongside Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford.