Nissan, Penske said eyeing Saturn venture

Nissan Motor Co. may join a venture with U.S. retailer Penske Automotive Group Inc. and General Motors Corp.'s Saturn car brand, two sources said.

The idea is that Nissan, its affiliate, Renault SA, or another automaker may make Saturn brand vehicles for a new venture that could be operated by Penske and distributed through Saturn's retail network, said the sources, who asked not to be named because discussions are private. GM is seeking to spin off or sell the Saturn brand and its distribution network that links 350 to 400 U.S. dealerships.

Nissan and Renault have expressed tentative interest in the venture, one of the sources said. Fred Standish, a Nissan spokesman, and Frederique Le Greves, a Renault spokeswoman, declined comment.