French carmaker Renault could stop a full-blown merger between Chrysler and General Motors by repurchasing the Jeep brand it sold to Chrysler more than 20 years ago.

Renault is in talks with Chrysler's owner, private-equity firm Cerberus, after expressing an interest in Chrysler, with possibilities ranging from an alliance to buying Jeep.

The talks with Renault come as Cerberus considers a range of deals to break up the third-biggest carmaker in the US as an alternative to a sale of the company to GM.

A break-up deal could see GM buy Chrysler's top-selling minivan line, a market segment Chrysler pioneered almost 25 years ago, and its truck-production facilities in Mexico.

Cerberus' talks with GM have also included the possibility of Chrysler buying GM's remaining 49% share of its GMAC financing arm. The interest from Renault comes amid suggestions that General Motors and Chrysler are accelerating merger discussions with strong support from potential lenders who are eager to see a deal done.

The talks between Cerberus, which bought 80% of Chrysler in May last year, and potential suitors have been given urgency by the sales downturn that has forced Chrysler, GM and Ford to take steps to cut costs and shore up cash holdings.