今日のテキスト NISSAN TO ACQUIRE MITSUBISHI STAKE

Nissan and Mitsubishi ― they already have history of working together, cooperating in the development of mini-vehicles. Now, Nissan could help it out by acquiring a large stake in the smaller, struggling firm. Sources say Nissan might spend more than 1.8 billion dollars to acquire a 34-percent stake in Mitsubishi, becoming its biggest shareholder.
The two Japanese carmakers set up a joint company five years ago to develop mini-vehicles. But then, the scandal at Mitsubishi erupted last month, when its officials admitted to fabricating fuel consumption data for four of its models.
Mitsubishi's domestic car sales have since plummeted. Sources say they believe the Mitsubishi executives are hoping a new arrangement with Nissan could strengthen its research and development capabilities. Nissan is also pinning its hopes on gaining some advantages. It's keen to boost sales in Southeast Asia, which is a key market for Mitsubishi.
Combined global sales of Nissan, its partner firm Renault, together with Mitsubishi, topped 9.5 million vehicles last year. That figure is on par with those of the world's top selling automakers ― Toyota, and Volkswagen.