GM-Suzuki partnership grows

Automotive Industries, July, 2004

General Motors Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. have reached an agreement that will allow Suzuki to produce variants of the new GM-designed global V-6 engine for use in future Suzuki cars and trucks.

As part of the agreement, Suzuki will build both 3.2L and 3.6L engine variants at its Sagara engine plant in Shizuoka, Japan. Suzuki engineers will tailor the engines to meet the packaging requirements and brand characteristics of Suzuki vehicles. Production is scheduled to begin in 2006.

The new global V-6 engine features all-aluminum construction, 60-degree, dual overhead cam and 4-valve-per-cylinder design. With variants ranging from 2.8L to 3.6L, the new engines incorporate the latest technology, including continuously variable valve timing. GM introduced the global V-6 engine in its 2004 model year vehicles and builds the engine family at its St. Catharines, Canada, and Holden Port Melbourne, Australia, engine plants.