Tesla CEO Elon Musk has downplayed reports of the company’s interest in acquiring Nissan’s US factories, just days after the Japanese automaker’s merger talks with Honda collapsed. According to a report by Financial Times, Hiro Mizuno, a former Tesla board member, is leading a plan to bring Tesla on board as a strategic investor in Nissan.
The plan, backed by former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, aims to bring Tesla on board as a key player in acquiring Nissan’s manufacturing plants in the US. Musk responded to reports of the plan, saying “Tesla’s factory IS the product” and comparing it to Apple’s Cybercab production line.
It is unclear whether Musk’s response indicates his opposition to the deal or if he is suggesting that Nissan’s US factories may not be enough to draw Tesla’s interest. The report also mentions a consortium of investors led by Tesla, with Foxconn joining as a minority investor.
Nissan’s Tokyo-listed shares surged over 12% in trading after the report was published, and the company’s stock ended the day nearly 9.5% up from the previous day.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2025/02/21/musk-responds-to-report-nissan-may-seek-teslas-investment