It has been three years since General Motors sold back its stake in Japanese car and truck manufacturer Isuzu after the Detroit company went into bankruptcy in 2009, though the two automakers never terminated their collaboration as evidenced by the new Chevrolet Colorado and the latest Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks.
Now we learn from Reuters that GM is interested in entering a new capital tie-up with Isuzu, reportedly to launch joint projects for commercial vehicles in Asia as well as Central and South America.
The report goes on to say that, GM will hold talks with Isuzu in early May on acquiring a 10 percent stake in the Japanese truckmaker. If the deal goes through, GM would once again become Isuzu’s largest shareholder surpassing Mitsubishi that currently owns a 9.2 percent stake in the company and possibly prompt Toyota to sell its 5.9 percent stake in Isuzu.
According to sources, GM’s move may also lead to Isuzu terminating its capital tie-up talks with the Volkswagen Group, though the two companies would likely continue their pickup truck joint venture in Thailand.
Before it gave up its remaining 7.6 percent stake in Isuzu in 2009, GM had a 35-year capital alliance with the Japanese company owning up to 49 percent in 1999.
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