Nissan Seeks To Shack Up With Tesla Following Failed Honda Merger: Report

Nissan continues to seek an investor after its merger talks with Honda hit a dead end, and that could end up being Tesla if Japanese leaders get their way.

The Financial Times reported on Friday that a group of Japanese business leaders, including former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and ex-Tesla board member Hiro Mizuno, was planning to approach Tesla with a view to convincing the EV electric car giant invest in Nissan.

Although Nissan has declined to officially comment on the move, the US newspaper cited three people with direct knowledge of the move.

'The group is hopeful Tesla will become a strategic investor since they believe it is keen to acquire Nissan's plants in the United States, the Financial Times reported.

A tie-up with Elon Musk's Tesla EV brand would give a much-needed boost to Nissans electric car programme, and news of the approach sent Nissan shares surging by 11 percent on Friday, AFP reported.