GM, Isuzu May Jointly Develop Pickup Truck

General Motors Co. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. have agreed to discuss co-developing a next-generation pickup truck for emerging markets.

Neither company provided specifics about the scope of the intended alliance, when it might produce its first model or exactly which markets it will pursue.

Thursday's announcement indicated only that the partners had signed a memorandum of understanding to begin negotiations. The Nikkei, which cites no sources, says GM also is discussing the possibility to buying equity in the Tokyo-based truckmaker.

GM and Isuzu formed their first partnership in 1971. By 1999 GM had acquired 49% of the Japanese company. The two manufacturers eventually collaborated on midsize pickups, medium-duty trucks and SUVs.

But GM reduced its stake in Isuzu to 12% in 2003 and shed its remaining 7.9% equity in 2006. The companies have continued to operate a diesel engine joint venture in Ohio.