SMYRNA, Tenn. -- Talk is becoming charged with rumors about electric car production coming to Nissan's facility in Smyrna, Tenn.

A Japanese newspaper reported on Friday that the carmaker plans to start making electric cars and batteries in Rutherford County by the year 2012.

The news is welcome, as the lagging auto market led to layoffs at the Smyrna plant in the past year.

A spokesperson for the Nissan headquarters in Franklin wouldn't confirm the report on Saturday.

Fred Standish said the automaker has asked the Department of Energy for loans to make green vehicles.

In a statement, Standish said, "We hope to be approved for this loan, as we have provided a very strong business proposal. At this time, we have nothing further to announce."