Rather than entering a complete merger, Mitsubishi could work with the other companies while staying independent.

Sources revealed on Friday that Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan and Honda, is considering not joining a planned merger between the two Japanese automakers. While Mitsubishi will maintain its cooperative ties with both companies, it plans to remain independent and listed, according to insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As Honda and Nissan negotiate the terms of a possible merger, we take a speculative look at what new vehicles could spawn from the unprecedented collaboration.