London (CNN Business) 1. Automakers go big: Renault (RNLSY) plans to restart merger talks with Nissan (NSANF) within 12 months, the Financial Times reported Wednesday. Once that's done, the French carmaker will look to buy Fiat Chrysler (FCAU), the report added.

A spokeswoman for Renault declined to comment on the report. She added that the current industry alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors is "working."

Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Renault and Nissan, reportedly pushed for a full merger of the carmakers before he was arrested and charged with alleged financial crimes in Japan. He's now awaiting trial.

Toyota TM Volkswagen VLKAF The Financial Times reported that Ghosn also held talks with Fiat Chrysler within the past three years. Pushing the companies together would allow them to go head to head with the likes ofand

There could be one more auto deal in the works: Daimler is nearing a deal to sell a 50% stake in its Smart brand to Chinese carmaker Geely, according to the Financial Times.