Toyota Motor Corp said yesterday it may invest in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd's $1.5 billion project to build Japan's first passenger jet, as the developer looks for ways to spread the risk.

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.

Two trading houses, Mitsubishi Corp, which has historical ties to Mitsubishi Heavy, and Sumitomo Corp, also said they were considering requests to invest in the jet.

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