GM Wants to Revive Stake in Isuzu

General Motors Co., which sold its 7.9% stake in Isuzu Motors Ltd. in 2006, hopes to restore the partnership by buying about 10% of the Japanese truckmaker, according to The Nikkei, which cites no sources.

The new tie-up would focus on commercial trucks for markets in central and South America.

GM sold its earlier stake in Isuzu, ending a 35-year capital alliance, as it struggled to raise cash for its struggling North American operations. The move prompted Toyota Motor Corp. to buy 5.9% of Isuzu seven months later. Analysts say a new GM-Isuzu alliance might prompt Toyota to sell its own stake in Isuzu.

GM approached Isuzu about the new tie-up, according to The Nikkei. The newspaper says the companies plan to begin discussions within the next few weeks and aim to reach an agreement this summer.