For quite some time, GM has been involved in a partnership with Suzuki to further develop hybrid and fuel-cell technology. Recently, however, Suzuki decided that it would part ways with The General after it joined forces with VW about a month ago. If you recall in the later part of 2009, Volkswagen became Suzuki’s largest shareholder after it purchased 20 percent of the automaker for a whopping 2.5 billion dollars.
In a statement released by Suzuki Chairman and CEO Osamu Suzuki, it is clear that there is no longer a place for GM in Suzuki’s model.
Suzuki is in a comprehensive alliance with Volkswagen. In every field including hybrid, diesel and electric cars, we will carry out joint development with them, or we will learn from them.
This joint agreement between VW and Suzuki also affects Suzuki’s relationship with with PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Renault SA, both of which supply diesel engines to Suzuki. If VW continues to provide its high level of diesel technology and innovation to the automaker, we may see more relationships between Suzuki and its partners fizzle in time.
[Source: Reuters]
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