TOYOTA will remain independent and only seek tie-ups or collaboration deals, Toyota Motor Europe executive vice- president Juan Jose Diaz Ruiz told a European automotive conference.

'Toyota has the size, the diversification and the product to remain an independent player,' he said. The Japanese manufacturer has been tipped as a likely candidate to step into the takeover turmoil and has been rumoured to be looking at PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW.