| Toyota may invest in Mitsubishi Heavy jet |
Toyota Motor Corp said on Wednesday it may invest in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd's $1.5 billion jet project, potentially throwing its weight behind the plan to build Japan's first passenger jet.
Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, said it was weighing a request by Mitsubishi Heavy to put money into the project for the regional jet, which is expected to seat 70 to 90 passengers and start operations in 2012.
"We have received a request from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to invest in the project but nothing has been decided at this time," said Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco.
A final decision on whether to go ahead with the project is expected in the next month or two, and Toyota's participation in the project could encourage other firms to share the heavy development burden.
Toyota rival Honda Motor Co Ltd forayed into the aviation market over a year ago and now sells a seven-person micro-jet, but Toyota's interest may not extend that far.
Japan's largest heavy machinery maker wants to use the jet to enter a market dominated by Brazil's Embraer and Canada's Bombardier Inc.
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