Isuzu, GM Discuss Pickup Truck Co-Development

General Motors Co. says it is in talks with Isuzu Motors Ltd. about jointly developing a next-generation pickup truck. GM did not disclose a timeline for the negotiations or other details.

The companies currently operate an Ohio-based diesel engine joint venture. In September they announced plans to co-develop a hybrid pickup truck that Isuzu is scheduled to begin producing in Thailand next year. The duo has previously collaborated on SUVs, midsize pickups and medium-duty trucks.

The Nikkei reports that GM and Isuzu will finalize a venture late this month to co-develop pickups, share diesel truck engines and expand distribution in Africa and the Middle East.

The Tokyo-based newspaper, which does not cite sources, says GM also is holding discussions about buying an equity stake in Isuzu. The American automaker, whose Isuzu ownership peaked at 49% in 1999, ended the 35-year capital alliance in 2006 by selling its remaining 7.9% stake.

GM will begin sourcing about 100,000 diesel engines per year from Isuzu when the U.S. company debuts its next-generation pickups, according to The Nikkei. It says GM currently buys those engines from European carmakers.