NHK has learned that Mitsubishi Motors is considering bowing out of a plan to merge Honda Motor and Nissan Motor.

But the automaker plans to enhance its cooperation with the two firms in developing technologies.

Honda and Nissan have been in talks since announcing last month that they planned to set up a holding company for integration. Nissan is Mitsubishi's top shareholder.

Mitsubishi said at the time that it would decide by the end of January whether to join the talks.

Sources say that Mitsubishi is thinking of staying out of the merger framework. But it still plans to step up its involvement with Honda and Nissan to develop software, electric vehicles and other advanced technologies.

As US and Chinese automakers are expanding their market presence, Mitsubishi apparently plans to operate through tie-ups with these Japanese auto firms, rather than becoming part of a merger.

Mitsubishi Motors said it is looking into various possibilities, and has yet to decide on its future direction.