Suzuki to Produce Versions of New GM-Designed Global V-6 Engine for Car, Truck Use

DETROIT June 24, 2004; The AP reported that General Motors Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. have reached an agreement that will allow Suzuki to produce versions of a new GM-designed global V-6 engine for use in Suzuki cars and trucks.

Financial terms of the agreement, announced late Wednesday night, were not disclosed.

As part of the deal, Suzuki will build 3.2-liter and 3.6-liter engine variants at its Sagara engine plant in Shizuoka, Japan. Production is scheduled to begin in 2006.

"The automotive industry is experiencing severe competition around the world," said Osamu Suzuki, Suzuki's chairman and chief executive. "By partnering together to produce this new engine, we're able to capitalize on the synergies and savings of our relationship with GM."

GM and Suzuki have several global agreements in product development, manufacturing and distribution dating back to 1981.

GM, the world's largest automaker, introduced the global V-6 engine in 2004 model year vehicles. It builds the engine family at its St. Catharines, Canada, and Holden Port Melbourne, Australia, engine plants.