Isuzu, GM to begin talks on joint pick-up truck development

Have signed a memorandum of understanding to start negotiations but declined to outline the timing of the talks or any other aspect of the potential deal

Isuzu Motors and General Motors (GM) said in separate statements today (10 January) that they have agreed to start talks on the joint development of pick-up trucks in a bid to cut development costs. The companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding to start negotiations but declined to outline the timing of the talks or any other aspect of the potential deal.There are reports that the deal, which will also include co-management of the pick-up truck business, will be formalised later this month in a meeting between Isuzu president Susumu Hosoi and GM CEO Dan Akerson. The newspaper also claims that the two companies will continue talks on the possibility of GM once again taking a stake in Isuzu, but this has been categorically denied by an Isuzu spokesperson.