As Honda and Nissan push forward with merger plans, Mitsubishi Motors may bow out, citing doubts about its influence in the new partnership.

Mitsubishi Motors may choose to opt out of the planned merger between Honda and Nissan, according to a report by Reuters. Sources indicate that the automaker,

Mitsubishi is considering turning a cold shoulder to the Honda-Nissan partnership The brand's low production output could be a driving factor in the decision It is expected to make a determination by the end of the month Alliances between automotive companies aren't uncommon.

Mitsubishi is thought to be concerned about its management freedom, as the future of Nissan’s management restructuring is not clear.

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.

Presidents of Nissan Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. -- Makoto Uchida, Toshihiro Mibe and Takao Kato -- pose for photos after attending a joint press conference in Tokyo on Dec.