Suzuki Says Goal of Ending VW Partnership Is Near

Suzuki Motor Corp. says a four-year effort to unwind its equity alliance with Volkswagen AG may be close to resolution.

CEO Osamu Suzuki told investors on Friday an arbitration process launched in 2011 with the International Chamber of Commerce's International Court of Arbitration in London has been completed. Both parties are now awaiting a decision by the panel.

The companies created their partnership in 2009 when Suzuki bought 1.5% of VW and VW acquired 19.9% of Suzuki. The partners planned to swap Suzuki's minicar expertise and VW's diesel know-how, but cultural clashes arose almost immediately.

By late 2010 each company was accusing the other of breaching the agreement. Suzuki declared the partnership over, demanded a "divorce" and said it was selling its stake in VW. But VW refused to give up its investment in the Japanese company, prompting Suzuki to ask the ICA for a ruling.