TOKYO (Nikkei)--Carlos Ghosn, president of Nissan Motor Co., acknowledged Friday that the firm is in the final stages of negotiations to sell its stake in Calsonic Kansei Corp. , the automaker's top parts supplier, to U.S. firm Delphi Automotive Systems Corp.

Speaking at his first press conference since becoming president, Ghosn said Nissan has already exchanged letters of intent with the U.S. company and will make a formal announcement once a final agreement is reached.

Nissan is expected to sell 33.4% of Calsonic Kansei. The Nissan group currently holds 35% of the firm.

Regarding Nissan's possible entry into the minicar market, Ghosn said that he recognizes the importance of the sector but the company must first come up with a unique product and a way to guarantee its profitability.

Nissan has not drawn up a plan to overhaul its U.K. plant, whose exports are suffering under the burden of the strong British pound and weak euro, Ghosn said. He said that he plans to discuss the matter with top British government officials.

Ghosn added that the Sunderland plant is highly productive and there are no plans to close it.

(The Nihon Keizai Shimbun Friday evening edition)