Former Tesla executive Hiro Mizuno has denied reports that the Japanese government is involved in discussions about Tesla acquiring Nissan factories.
Mizuno addressed the claims on X, stating, “I have absolutely no involvement in what is reported in this article and am unaware of any such moves by the Japanese government.” He added that, despite no longer being with Tesla, he personally doubts the company would be interested, noting that Tesla’s factory design is highly unique.
According to the report on Friday from the Financial Times, it claims the proposal was backed Mizuno, along with ex-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his former aide Hiroto Izumi. The apparent plan is to bring Tesla in as a strategic investor in Nissan, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Several Nissan board members are aware of the initiative, which suggests Tesla may be interested in acquiring Nissan’s U.S. factories. The move is reportedly driven by concerns over Donald Trump’s tariff threats, prompting Tesla to expand domestic manufacturing, says the report.
However, Mizuno denied any involvement in the reported discussions. Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to Mizuno’s post with a blunt reaction: “The fake news strikes again.”
Tesla’s factories are unique in the fact they are the “product”, according to the company. The unique layouts are built for efficiency and reworking existing Nissan factory layouts just wouldn’t make sense.
