As far back as 1971, General Motors and Japanese truck maker Isuzu have formally conducted business together, with GM even purchasing a major stake in the company. In fact, GM owned as much as 49 percent of Isuzu back in 1999 — with the most notable fruit of the partnership being the legendary Duramax diesel engines found in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty pickups. But as of 2006, The General and Isuzu have dissolved their equity tie-up. Though now, a Japanese newspaper is reporting that the two automakers are at the table once again, according to Reuters.
The report states that a tie-up would be formalized as soon as the end of the month with an official announcement coming from a memorandum of understanding. What’s more, General Motors is even reportedly showing interest in purchasing a stake in Isuzu once again, though officials have declined to comment at this time. To note, rumors of Isuzu and GM tying up once again were circulating in April of last year, as well.
It’s not out of line to see GM and Isuzu partnering up on a fresh line of trucks, or even vans, to develop and launch globally. They’ve done it before, after all.
Comments
I hope this brings a new line of medium duty trucks to the table.
Is Isuzu still selling vehicles in the u.s.?
GM must have missed its long time “steady” relationship with Isuzu. GM’s relationship with other former affiliates were not that highly regarded especially with Suzuki (which continues to have its tempestuous relationship with Volkswagen), Subaru (now for the past five years continues to have a mutual relationship with Toyota since Toyota owns about 19% of Subaru), Fiat (it was much more of a one night stand and now has ownership of GM’s competitor Chrysler Corporation.),The SAAB & Hummer branch which were later incorporated into GM’s Divisional Brand died with the Bankruptcy of General Motors in the same vain as GM’s once mainstay divisions: Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Saturn. The Daewoo name was watered down and renamed GM Korea. Time will only tell as the would be outcome of GM’s new venture with the Peugeot and Citroen Group while at the same time trying to systematically eliminate the Opel and Vauxhall brands.
I may also add that Daewoo became another Korean arm of the Chevrolet brand unlike Geo and in defunct Pontiac’s case Asuna in Canada though. In addition, GM whether its Chevrolet, Pontiac or the Australian Holden had a joint venture partnered relationship with Toyota as well. Nissan however with only one model from the 1980s which was based on the Pulsar which it shared with Holden. At an earlier era Holden also offered their Kingswood model to Mazda and badged engineered this car into Mazda Roadpacer. This was very ironic though because both Holden which is GM and Mazda which was Ford were direct competitors.
A new LUV truck? http://www.mclellansautomotive.com/photos/B27674.jpg
Pedro, thank you captain obvious… News flash Car companies go in and out of realtionships all of the time…
Much like people since its ran by human beings.
Carzmylife, nice…
Pedro, Daewoo is now Chevrolet, having transformed from GM Korea. Good summary nonetheless.
Thanks for the additional 411 and your valuable feedback.
Super! I’d love to see an all new Isuzu Hombre / Chevy S-10 or at least an all new Rodeo/Amigo
In South Africa, GM is still in close cooperation with Isuzu.
Look at this
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/02/gm-isuzu-still-in-collaborating/