As reported by YURI KAGEYAMA, AP Business Writer
TOKYO - General Motors Corp. is selling the shares it holds in truckmaker Isuzu to two Japanese trading companies and a bank for about $300 million to fund its turnaround in North America, the U.S. automaker said Tuesday.
Disposing of the Isuzu stake marks the latest retreat for a company besieged by staggering losses, labor problems and mounting competition from Asian automakers. The move also highlights GM's rapid pullout from Japanese partnerships it has built since the 1970s.
GM said last month that it was selling the 7.9 percent stake it held in Isuzu Motors Ltd., or about 90 million shares, but will keep its business partnership with Isuzu, such as joint development and manufacturing of trucks and diesel engines.
Previously, the Detroit-based automaker had been the top stakeholder in Isuzu.
Mitsubishi Corp., which has a joint venture with Isuzu to make and sell trucks in Thailand, is purchasing 40 million shares at 16 billion yen ($135 million), raising its stake in Isuzu from 0.2 percent to 3.7 percent.
Itochu Corp., which has a partnership with both GM and Isuzu, is also purchasing 40 million shares at 16 billion yen ($135 million), raising its stake to 4.2 percent, and Mizuho Corporate Bank, which works as Isuzu's main bank, is acquiring 10 million shares for 4 billion yen ($34 million), the companies said.