TOKYO, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Japanese automakers Nissan Motor and Honda Motor agreed to conduct joint research into technologies for a next-generation software platform, they said in a joint statement on Thursday.

The companies also signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen the strategic partnership they announced in March, pledging to cooperate in areas such as batteries, e-axles and vehicle complementation. (Reporting by Daniel Leussink; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)