Nissan Motor is reviving Datsun models in emerging markets, where the biggest growth is expected for affordable stylish vehicles, and has no plans to bring the brand back in developed markets.

Japan reported its first annual trade deficit since 1980 as it imported expensive energy to offset shortfalls caused by the devastating tsunami and manufacturers shifted production overseas to avoid the damage inflicted by the strong yen.

FRANCE faced severe political embarrassment yesterday after carmaker Renault said the three top executives it sacked for industrial espionage in January might not be spies after all.

Nissan said today it is recalling 2.14 million vehicles in the US, Japan, Europe and Asia, including the popular March and Micra, over an ignition problem that may stall the engine.

Wall Street ended a record-breaking week quietly today, edging lower after the Labour Department said US employers added far fewer jobs than expected last month. The major indexes all scored big gains for the week.

Renault SA chairman Louis Schweitzer confirmed the company's full year forecasts despite the difficult foreign exchange market and an increasingly competitive pricing environment.

French car manufacturer Renault saw a 27% rise in full-year profit, mainly due to its 44.4% stake in Nissan Motor.

Honda Motor has said it is in far-ranging business talks with major Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor Corp.