Musk Rejects Nissan Investment Amid Strategic Talks

Elon Musk has appeared to downplay rumors regarding Tesla's potential investment in Nissan, which have gained traction following a proposal backed by former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The suggestion involves Tesla acquiring Nissan's U.S. factories amid Nissan's struggles after a failed merger with Honda. Musk emphasized the uniqueness of Tesla's manufacturing capabilities, stating that 'the Tesla factory IS the product,' which implies that investing in existing facilities may not align with Tesla's operational philosophy. Meanwhile, Hiro Mizuno, a former Tesla board member, denied any involvement in the proposed group pushing for the investment, expressing skepticism about Tesla's interest. Despite Musk's comments, Nissan's shares surged over 12% on the news. Analysts suggest that Tesla's preference for building new factories rather than retrofitting old ones could complicate any potential negotiations with Nissan.