TOKYO (AP) — Nissan Motor Co. isn't considering any tie-ups with U.S. automakers, said one of its executives Wednesday while declining to comment on weekend reports that the Japanese carmaker is in talks on an alliance with Chrysler LLC.
''At this point, we aren't considering anything at all,'' Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga told reporters after a press conference for the launch of a redesigned minivan.
''I can't comment on that,'' he said, when asked specifically about talks with Chrysler.
Japan's Nikkei newspaper, without citing any sources, reported Saturday that the two are discussing an alliance to supply cars to the North American market.
Nissan is seeking to supply small cars, while Chrysler wants to supply medium and large vehicles, including pickup trucks, said the Nikkei, Japan's leading financial newspaper.
Carlos Ghosn, who heads Nissan and Renault of France, said at the Tokyo Motor Show in October he remained interested in a partnership with a major U.S. automaker.
Speculation has been growing that Chrysler and Ford may be looking for partners as they struggle to restructure their operations and boost profits.
Nissan, Japan's No. 3 automaker, is seeking to supply its Versa compact car models, while obtaining pickup and minivan models through Chrysler, the Nikkei report said.