Japan to court Tesla on Nissan investment, FT reports

REUTERS
February 21, 2025

Nissan Motor Corp.’s logo (Asahi photo)

A high-level Japanese group, which includes a former prime minister, has drawn up plans for Elon Musk’s Tesla to invest in Nissan following the collapse of its merger talks with Honda Motor, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

The proposal, led by former Tesla board member Hiro Mizuno, is being supported by ex-premier Yoshihide Suga and his former aide Hiroto Izumi, the report said, citing unnamed sources.

The group is hopeful that Tesla will become a strategic investor since they believe it is keen to acquire Nissan’s plants in the United States, according to the report.

Last week, Nissan ended talks with Honda for a possible merger.

Tesla, Nissan and Suga’s office did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.