Isuzu to Venture with Toyota on Engine Production

Japan's Isuzu Motors Ltd. said Thursday that it istie-up with GM, which is trying to reorganize its
considering a set up in a joint venture to produce dieselbusiness.
engines with Toyota Motor Corp. as part of the tie-upA Toyota spokesman said that the details have not
which was announced by the two firms last year.been finalized on the diesel engine joint venture.
The truck maker and the world's number one carMore information on Toyota
maker have been discussing details of their alliance inToyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the
development and production of diesel engines sinceone-millionth hybrid sale in July 7 by parent company,
they formed the tie-up.Toyota Motor Corporation. Of the one million hybrid
An Isuzu spokesman said that putting up a jointsales around the world, over 50 percent have been
production venture is one option which the two autosold in the United States -- 541,210 units from 2000
makers are looking at. However, they are alsothrough April 2007.
considering other options.In May, TMS posted sales of 36,101 hybrid vehicles, a
The latest comments were aired after Isuzu said lastwhopping 102 percent increase over last May. Toyota
December that building a new diesel engine plant withDivision posted sales of 34,174 hybrids, an even more
Toyota was one option. The Isuzu spokesman saidsurprising 121 percent increase over the same period
that the two auto makers may be open for the detailslast year. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,927 hybrids.
of their alliance by the end of August.TMS is the maker of quality Toyota oxygen sensors.
The industry leader in the gasoline-electric hybridInformation on Isuzu
vehicle market, Toyota, is seeking to improve itsSince its first truck was introduced in 1918, Isuzu has
fuel-efficient and low-emission technologies by tying upbeen a pioneer in the manufacture of vehicles and
with Isuzu, which is a major developer of dieselengines for industrial and commercial use. Today Isuzu
engines.is leading the world in the production of reliable
With the soaring prices of gas, diesel engines aremedium-duty trucks and is famous around the world
attracting interest because they are almost 20 percentfor its expertise in engineering, from diesel engines to
to 30 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline engines.pickups to SUVs.
About 50 percent of the vehicles sold in Europe areIntelliChoice recognizes Isuzu's whole 2006 lineup as
powered by diesel.among the best in their class for low costs.
Aside from making diesel engines for its own vehicles,Isuzu cars will be present in 6 auto shows for this year:
Isuzu also supplies such engines to U.S. auto titanOrange County, San Antonio International, Central
General Motors Corp. (GM).California, South Florida International, Tampa Bay
Last year, Toyota took a 5.9 percent stake in Isuzu.International, and at the Arizona International.
The team up came after Isuzu dissolved a capital